President Trump announced Sunday on Truth Social that he is “bringing Columbus Day back,” vowing to restore the holiday to its traditional form. In his post, Trump criticized Democrats for what he described as efforts to erase the legacy of Christopher Columbus and diminish the pride of Italian Americans.
“I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes. The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much,” Trump wrote. He accused Democrats of tearing down Columbus statues and replacing them with “WOKE” symbols or nothing at all. Trump added that he is officially reinstating Columbus Day with the same rules, dates, and locations it had for decades.
In 2021, President Biden became the first sitting president to issue a formal proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the federal level. The observance has gained popularity in recent years, as many Americans have pointed to the historical violence and displacement inflicted on Native communities by Columbus and his expeditions. Biden’s proclamation acknowledged the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples, emphasizing their role in shaping American society despite centuries of government policies aimed at assimilation and displacement.
During his first term, Trump consistently issued Columbus Day proclamations that focused solely on celebrating Columbus’s achievements, without mentioning Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In one 2018 proclamation, Trump praised Columbus’s spirit of determination and adventure, highlighting his navigation across the Atlantic Ocean as a source of inspiration for generations of Americans.
Trump’s latest move to restore Columbus Day to its traditional status is part of his broader effort to counter what he sees as “woke” cultural changes. His decision is likely to reignite debate over how the United States commemorates its complex history and could further deepen the cultural divide heading into the next election cycle.