Overview

• A White House proclamation signed this week declares Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, as Columbus Day only, urges public ceremonies, and orders U.S. flags displayed on all public buildings.
• Trump praised Christopher Columbus as “the original American hero” and appealed to Italian-American pride while accusing critics of trying to erase history.
• The action aligns with a broader administration campaign launched in March to “restore the truth,” including reviews of Smithsonian content to remove what it calls divisive narratives.
• Many states and cities continue to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day or alternative commemorations, so local closures and school schedules vary despite the federal designation.
• Columbus Day remains a federal holiday with roots dating to the early 20th century, while Indigenous advocates and many historians emphasize the violence and dispossession tied to colonization.