Trump to Install Columbus Statue at the White House
President Donald Trump is set to place a statue of Christopher Columbus on the southern side of the White House, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
This statue will be a recreation of one that former President Ronald Reagan revealed in Baltimore, which was subsequently thrown into the harbor by Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020. Bill Martin, an Italian-American businessman who helped recover and reassemble the original statue, indicated that the sculpture is anticipated to be transported from a Maryland warehouse to the White House soon.
The White House stated that Trump will continue to commend Columbus and highlight the explorer’s significance. “In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero,” said White House Press Secretary Davis Engle. “And President Trump will keep praising him in that light.”
President Trump is reportedly planning to install a statue of Christopher Columbus outside the White House. An explorer known for discovering America.
— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec)
Trump has been a vocal supporter of Columbus, even reinstating Columbus Day to honor Italian Americans. In October, he signed a declaration recognizing Columbus’ contributions with “respect and gratitude.”
The declaration noted, “On this Columbus Day, more than 500 years after Columbus arrived in the New World, we reflect on his example, echo his determination, and express gratitude for his courageous life. Above all, we commit to restoring a nation that shows the bravery to confront the unknown, honors our rich cultural heritage, and praises our Creator.”
However, left-leaning activists and academics are pushing to replace Columbus Day, which many Italian Americans cherish, with a holiday celebrating Indigenous people. Despite this, Columbus had connections with Indigenous peoples, including a young man who later became known as Diego Colon.
Columbus is also noted for showing mercy to natives despite the violence and destruction during his voyages. His diaries indicate encounters with the Taino people, who expressed fears of being labeled “cannibals.”
Currently, thirty U.S. states and three territories still celebrate Columbus Day. According to Pew Research, some states like Michigan, Vermont, and Minnesota have chosen not to observe it.
