Overview

• President Donald Trump signed a proclamation declaring Monday Columbus Day and encouraged celebrations with U.S. flags on public buildings.
• The document says it seeks to "reclaim" Columbus’s legacy and charges "left-wing arsonists" with trying to destroy his name.
• The proclamation departs from Joe Biden’s 2021 practice by offering no separate recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
• Republican lawmakers and Italian American groups applauded the move, while Native scholars and Indigenous advocates criticized its celebratory framing.
• Analysts expect many jurisdictions to continue observing Indigenous Peoples Day, with Pew data showing states split on whether they mark Columbus, Indigenous peoples, or both.