Trump Reaffirms Columbus Day, Rejects Indigenous Peoples Day Recognition
In a bold stance on Sunday, President Donald Trump declared he would not embrace his predecessor’s approach of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day in October. Accusing Democrats of undermining Christopher Columbus’s legacy, Trump asserted his commitment to reviving traditional American icons.
Former President Joe Biden was the first to officially acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day, issuing a 2021 proclamation that celebrated the contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples while emphasizing their inherent sovereignty. Biden’s proclamation highlighted the U.S. promise of equality and opportunity, pointing out historical failures in upholding the rights and dignity of Indigenous communities.
In response, Trump took to social media, proclaiming, “I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes.” He expressed discontent with Democrats’ attempts to tarnish Columbus’s reputation and their perceived disregard for Italian American sentiments. Under Biden’s presidency, the federal holiday, observed on the second Monday in October, was both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day—a shift activists have championed to highlight the exploitative consequences of Columbus’s expeditions.
Trump’s perspective reflects his ongoing critique of a historical narrative centered on diversity and oppression. Columbus, originally from Genoa, was canonized in U.S. culture primarily to garner support from Italian immigrants, especially following the tragic lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans in 1891, which catalyzed the first Columbus Day celebration.
Trump’s opposition to the removal of Columbus statues has been consistent, recalling his defense of a prominent statue in New York City in 2017 and efforts to restore another in Baltimore following civil unrest after George Floyd’s death. His comments reaffirm a commitment to commemorating Columbus amid a controversial dialogue surrounding historical figures in America.
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