PHOENIX — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Columbus Day will exclusively honor Christopher Columbus, ending the practice of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside it.
Trump made the declaration on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying, “I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes.” He accused Democrats of attempting to destroy Columbus’ reputation and diminish the pride of Italian Americans.
During his term, President Joe Biden was the first to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day with a 2021 proclamation. Biden’s statement celebrated the resilience of Native communities and acknowledged America’s failure to fully uphold its founding promises for Indigenous people.
Although the holiday has officially remained Columbus Day on the federal calendar, many activists and cities have shifted the focus toward Indigenous Peoples Day to acknowledge the suffering and exploitation caused by European colonization.
Trump’s announcement is part of a broader push to restore what he describes as traditional American values and history. He has long criticized efforts to reframe U.S. history through the lens of diversity and social justice, including opposition to the removal of statues of figures like Columbus.
Historically, Columbus Day was promoted as a way to honor Italian American heritage, particularly after anti-Italian sentiment in the late 19th century. President Franklin D. Roosevelt established it as a federal holiday in 1934.
In 2020, Trump’s administration funded the restoration of a Columbus statue in Baltimore after it was toppled during protests following George Floyd’s murder. He reiterated Sunday that protecting Columbus’ legacy remains a priority for his campaign.
