Columbus Day Trump wants to bring back Columbus Day. But did it ever leave?

Columbus Day, a federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492, has become a source of ongoing debate, especially as it intersects with the growing movement for Indigenous Peoples Day. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the various aspects and controversies surrounding Columbus Day:

 

 

 

 

What is Columbus Day?

• Columbus Day honors the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus for his arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. While Columbus is often credited with “discovering” America, it’s important to note that other explorers, such as Leif Eriksson, had reached the continent before him. Furthermore, various Native American tribes had been living on the land for centuries before any European exploration began.
• Originally celebrated informally by Italian Americans, Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937 through lobbying by organizations like the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization. The holiday was created to honor Italian heritage in the United States.

When is Columbus Day?

• Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday of October, a shift from its original observance on October 12, implemented in 1971 by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This change aimed to create more three-day weekends for American workers.
• In 2025, Columbus Day will fall on Monday, October 13.

The Debate Over Columbus Day

The celebration of Columbus Day has been increasingly challenged in recent years, especially as awareness of the harmful effects of European colonization on Indigenous populations grows. Critics argue that Columbus’s legacy is tied to the exploitation, enslavement, and genocide of Native Americans, and that honoring him perpetuates the glorification of these actions.

Many activists, historians, and Indigenous groups advocate for replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day or Native American Day, to honor the culture, history, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, who have long been marginalized in mainstream U.S. history.

Indigenous Peoples Day: A Push for Change

• The push to rename or replace Columbus Day began in the late 20th century. In 1990, South Dakota became the first state to officially declare the second Monday in October as Native Americans’ Day, commemorating the contributions of Native American leaders and communities. Since then, many cities and states have followed suit, with approximately 216 cities and 29 states now observing Indigenous Peoples Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day.
• On a federal level, President Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day. In 2021, Biden issued a proclamation acknowledging the wrongdoings and atrocities inflicted by European explorers on Indigenous communities, stating that the day should also reflect on the courage and contributions of Italian Americans.

Trump’s Stance on Columbus Day

• Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his defense of Columbus Day. On April 27, 2025, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, announcing his intention to “bring Columbus Day back”, claiming that radical activists had attempted to undermine Columbus’s legacy by focusing on his failings and atrocities. Trump’s comments were a direct response to efforts to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day.
• Trump’s position aligns with his broader views on political correctness and what he perceives as a “woke” movement that erases or revises history. He claimed that Columbus was a symbol of Italian American pride and decried what he saw as the destruction of Columbus’s reputation, including the removal of his statues across the country.
• Despite Trump’s claims, Columbus Day has never been formally abolished or removed as a federal holiday. It remains one of the 11 paid holidays for federal workers, as recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Public Opinion and State-Level Actions

• The controversy over Columbus Day reflects deeper divides within the U.S. on how history should be remembered and who gets to define it. While some argue that Columbus represents a key historical figure who deserves celebration for his role in European exploration, others emphasize the importance of recognizing the suffering of Indigenous populations that accompanied European colonization.
• Many states and cities have made their own decisions on how to observe the holiday. As of recent reports, approximately 216 cities have renamed or replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, and 29 states do not officially recognize Columbus Day.
• In Spanish-speaking countries in South America, the day is known as Día de la Raza, which translates to “Day of the Race” or “Day of the People.” This celebration honors the Indigenous peoples and the rich cultural heritage of Latin American nations.

• The Future of Columbus Day

  • President Biden’s 2021 proclamations recognize both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, but the future of Columbus Day as a national holiday is uncertain. Advocates for Indigenous Peoples Day continue to push for a reevaluation of Columbus’s role in American history, calling for more inclusive celebrations that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
  • Meanwhile, Trump’s efforts to reaffirm Columbus Day and restore it to what he describes as its “glory” reflect ongoing tensions between those who view Columbus as a key historical figure and those who feel that honoring him perpetuates historical injustices.

 Conclusion

The debate over Columbus Day is an ongoing conversation about the legacy of colonization, the commemoration of historical figures, and the rights and recognition of Indigenous peoples. As the national conversation evolves, the holiday’s observance will likely continue to be a point of contention, reflecting broader cultural and political divides in the United States. Whether Columbus Day remains or is replaced by Indigenous Peoples Day, the discussion serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding history from diverse perspectives and striving for a more inclusive society.