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4h ago

Trump Vows to Elevate Columbus Day, Dismisses Indigenous Peoples’ Day

President Trump declares intent to restore Columbus Day's prominence, though the holiday remains federally recognized and changes require congressional action.

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CORRECTS DATE - The grand entry of hundreds of Native American and Indigenous dancers begins with the staff procession during the annual Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)
CORRECTS DATE - Native American and Indigenous dancers pack an arena during a grand entry procession at the annual Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)
FILE - Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, right, and Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, left, present President Joe Biden with an Eighth Generation blanket from a tribally-owned business, embroidered with "Joe Biden Champion for Indian Country," at the 2024 White House Tribal Nations Summit at the Department of the Interior in Washington, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Overview

  • President Trump announced plans to reinstate Columbus Day under its traditional observance, criticizing Democrats for undermining its legacy.
  • He stated that he will not recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day alongside Columbus Day, breaking from the dual observance initiated by President Biden in 2021.
  • Columbus Day has been a federally recognized holiday since 1937, and any changes to its status require congressional approval, not unilateral presidential action.
  • Over 200 cities and multiple states now recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflecting a growing shift in local commemorations away from Columbus Day.
  • The debate over the holiday highlights broader cultural and political conflicts over historical narratives and the legacy of figures like Christopher Columbus.