President Donald Trump has officially recognized Columbus Day by signing a proclamation during a recent cabinet meeting at the White House. This proclamation emphasizes the importance of the day for Italian-Americans and commemorates Christopher Columbus’s voyages that linked Europe and the Americas.
At the cabinet meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth were present as Trump reestablished Columbus Day, which falls on the second Monday of October each year. The proclamation highlights Columbus, born in 1451 in what is now Italy, as a pivotal figure of the Age of Exploration, particularly for his journey on the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
Staff Secretary Will Scharf provided a summary of the origins of Columbus Day and its relevance to Italian-Americans, prompting Trump to reaffirm the holiday by stating, “In other words, we’re calling it Columbus Day,” which drew applause from the press—a moment Trump humorously noted as unusual.
The proclamation also described Columbus’s landing in the Bahamas and his act of planting a cross upon his arrival, which he dedicated to God. It reflects on how Columbus’s expedition carried significant cultural and philosophical legacies across the Atlantic, ultimately leading to the establishment of Western civilization by 1776.
Though Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1971, its celebration predates that, particularly among Italian-Americans. Recently, however, there has been pushback from progressive activists who argue that the holiday symbolizes colonialism and the oppression of indigenous individuals, advocating instead for “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” Statues of Columbus were also taken down during protests in 2020.
The proclamation expresses concern over these movements, stating, “In recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious campaign to erase our history.” It emphasizes a commitment to honoring Columbus as a heroic figure and acknowledging the countless contributions Italian-Americans have made to American culture.
In an enthusiastic declaration, Trump stated, “Columbus Day, we’re back! Columbus Day. We’re back, Italians! Okay? We love the Italians.”
