President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Thursday reinstating full recognition of Columbus Day, reversing recent progressive efforts to replace the holiday. "We're back, Italians," Trump declared to cheers at the White House ahead of a Cabinet meeting.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf presented the proclamation, calling it "a particularly important day for Italian Americans who celebrate the legacy of Christopher Columbus and the innovation and explorer zeal that he represented."
Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1971, honoring the explorer whose 1492 voyage opened European settlement in the Americas. However, in recent years, left-wing activists pushed for "Indigenous Peoples' Day" instead, with Columbus statues toppled during 2020 riots and several Democrat-led states and cities dropping official recognition.
Then-Vice President Kamala Harris championed the replacement in 2021, saying explorers "ushered in a wave of devastation for Tribal nations — perpetrating violence, stealing land and spreading disease."
Trump also signed a separate proclamation recognizing Leif Erikson Day on October 9, honoring the Norse explorer who reached Newfoundland before Columbus. The actions signal Trump's embrace of Western heritage and rejection of progressive attempts to reframe American history.