Trump Columbus Day: Restoring the Holiday to Its Original Name
President Trump pushes back against efforts to reframe a historic American holiday
Written with a commitment to truthfulness and originality
Trump Columbus Day announcement on April 27, 2025, via Truth Social, confirmed that he will restore the holiday to its original name, rejecting the practice of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside it. This move reverses a precedent set by President Joe Biden in 2021 and reignites debates over how America honors its history. Trump’s decision aims to preserve a holiday that celebrates Christopher Columbus and the contributions of Italian Americans, amidst criticism from activists who argue it glosses over the explorer’s controversial legacy.
Trump Columbus Day: A Historical Perspective
Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday in October, has been a federal holiday since 1934, established under President Franklin D. Roosevelt to honor Christopher Columbus and celebrate Italian American heritage. Its origins trace back to 1892, when President Benjamin Harrison called for a national celebration following the lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans, a gesture to support the growing Italian immigrant community. Trump emphasized this history in his Truth Social post, stating, “I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes,” and accused Democrats of trying to “destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much.”
Why Trump Columbus Day Matters in 2025
Trump Columbus Day decision reverses a shift begun by President Joe Biden, who in 2021 became the first U.S. president to issue a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day. Biden’s proclamation acknowledged the “invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples” while noting the “painful history” of colonization. Trump, however, has long opposed reframing American history through what he calls a “woke” lens, arguing that it undermines traditional icons like Columbus. In his April 27 post, Trump declared, “Christopher is going to make a major comeback,” pledging to reinstate Columbus Day “under the same rules, dates, and locations” as before.
The Debate Over Trump Columbus Day Decision
The renaming debate highlights a broader cultural divide. Only 16 states and American Samoa still observe Columbus Day exclusively as a public holiday, per 2023 Pew Research data. Many states and cities have shifted to Indigenous Peoples Day, focusing on the exploitation and suffering of native populations during European colonization. Critics of Columbus Day argue that celebrating the explorer ignores his role in the enslavement and displacement of indigenous peoples. However, supporters, including Trump, view the holiday as a tribute to Italian American contributions and a piece of American tradition worth preserving, rather than a platform for what they see as divisive revisionism.
A Stand Against Negative Narratives
Trump’s move resonates with those who feel that America’s history is being unfairly criticized by activists and some journalists who focus on negativity and chaos. The holiday’s history as a celebration of Italian American identity—born out of a response to anti-Italian discrimination—holds deep meaning for many. Trump has previously supported efforts to protect Columbus statues, such as funding the restoration of a Baltimore statue in 2020 after it was vandalized during protests. His latest decision aligns with a broader push to reject narratives that he believes tear down American icons in favor of what he calls “woke” ideology.
Source Previews
WFAA: Trump says Columbus Day will now just be Columbus Day
Published April 27, 2025, this article details Trump’s Truth Social post and the historical context of Columbus Day (WFAA).
Bloomberg: Trump Says He’s Restoring Columbus Day to Its Former Prominence
Published April 27, 2025, this piece covers Trump’s pledge and the ongoing debate over the holiday’s name (Bloomberg).
USA Today: ‘Bringing Columbus Day back’: Trump says Democrats ruined explorer’s reputation
Published April 27, 2025, this article highlights Trump’s criticism of Democrats and his promise to reinstate Columbus Day’s original focus (USA Today).
