Trump Administration's Stance on Armenian Genocide Remains Unchanged: State Department Statement

The U.S. State Department has officially responded to the Senate resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. On the official website of the State Department, it is stated that the stance of President Donald Trump’s administration on this issue has not changed.

“Our views are reflected in the statement made by the U.S. President in April of this year,” the statement said.

On April 24, 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement marking the 104th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, using the term “Meds Yeghern” (Great Catastrophe). “Today we honor the Meds Yeghern and the memory of all those who suffered because of one of the most horrific mass atrocities of the 20th century. Since 1915, during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, one and a half million Armenians were deported, murdered, or perished in death marches. On this day of remembrance, we again join the Armenian community in America and around the world in mourning for all those who lost their lives. This day we also remember and acknowledge the work of all those who tried to put an end to the violence, as well as those who strove to ensure that such atrocities never happen again, like human rights advocate and attorney Raphael Lemkin. We remember the contributions of great-hearted Americans who helped save lives and rebuild Armenian communities.

Remembering all those who suffered, we are also inspired by the brave and resilient Armenians who, despite tremendous hardships, built vibrant communities around the world, including in the United States. We pledge to learn from past tragedies to ensure they are never repeated. We welcome the efforts of Armenians and Turks to recognize and account for their painful history. We stand with the Armenian people in remembering the lives lost during the Great Catastrophe and reaffirming our commitment to building a more peaceful world.

On December 12, the U.S. Senate unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide. The adoption of Resolution 150, authored by Senators Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), follows the passage of Resolution 296 in the House of Representatives, which was adopted in October with 405 votes in favor and 11 against.