Trump pledges to revive Columbus Day, criticizing Democrats for harming the explorer’s reputation amid ongoing debates about the holiday.
President Donald Trump recently announced plans to revive Columbus Day, stating he aims to bring it back “from the ashes.”
This announcement comes amid ongoing debates about the holiday, which honors Christopher Columbus, a figure who has faced criticism for his role in colonization.
Trump promises to restore Columbus Day and criticizes Democrats for damaging explorer’s reputation
On Sunday, Trump expressed strong support for Columbus Day through a post on Truth Social.
He criticized those who oppose Columbus and suggested that Democrats have attempted to tarnish his reputation.
Trump emphasized the importance of Columbus to many Italians and vowed to reinstate the holiday in its traditional form.
He stated, “The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much.”
“I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes,” Trump wrote in a fiery post on Truth Social. “The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much.
“They tore down his Statues, and put up nothing but ‘WOKE,’ or even worse, nothing at all! Well, you’ll be happy to know, Christopher is going to make a major comeback,” Trump wrote.
“I am hereby reinstating Columbus Day under the same rules, dates, and locations, as it has had for all of the many decades before!”
Columbus Day remains officially recognized nationwide.
Columbus Day is still recognized as a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the second Monday of October.
While the holiday remains official, there has been a growing movement among progressive groups to replace it with “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”
This change reflects the concerns about the treatment of Native American tribes during and after colonization.
Despite this movement, many places across the country, including federal offices, still observe Columbus Day. In cities like New York, large parades and celebrations continue to take place. Federal workers also receive a day off for the holiday.
Former President Joe Biden made headlines in 2021 by officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. However, this day is not a federally recognized holiday.
Biden has also acknowledged Columbus Day during his presidency, celebrating the holiday alongside the new observance.
Washington, D.C., and more than a dozen states have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Many of these states choose to celebrate both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about history and representation.
The Italian American Community’s response
Columbus holds significant importance for many in the Italian American community. Groups like the Italian American Civil Rights League have voiced their support for Trump’s commitment to Columbus Day.
They view the holiday as a celebration of Italian heritage and a recognition of the contributions made by Italian Americans throughout history.
“He told us when we endorsed him he would SAVE COLUMBUS DAY! Promises kept! A true PAISAN!” the Italian American Civil Rights League said in a statement about Trump’s Sunday remarks about Columbus Day.
Historical context of Columbus Day
Columbus Day has been a federally recognized holiday since 1937. The establishment of the holiday was largely due to lobbying efforts by Italian American organizations, including the Knights of Columbus.
These groups aimed to honor Columbus as a symbol of Italian American pride.Over the years, Columbus Day has sparked debates about history and the impact of colonization.
Critics argue that celebrating Columbus overlooks the suffering of indigenous peoples and perpetuates harmful narratives.
Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of recognizing Italian heritage and the historical context of Columbus’s voyages.