Former President Donald Trump has pledged a resurgence for Columbus Day, asserting that he will “bring it back from the ashes” amid criticism leveled against Christopher Columbus and his legacy.
“The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians who cherish him,” Trump declared in a post on Truth Social. He further stated that statues honoring Columbus have been dismantled and replaced with “woke” imagery or simply removed entirely. “You’ll be happy to know, Christopher is going to make a major comeback,” he promised, indicating his intention to reinstate the holiday under existing guidelines.
Historically, Christopher Columbus is often credited with the discovery of what Europeans termed the “New World.” His voyage across the Atlantic, originating in Spain with the goal of establishing a direct trade route from Europe to Asia—a journey bypassing Africa—unintentionally created a connection between Europe and the Americas.
Columbus’s voyages led his ships – the *Niña*, the *Pinta*, and the *Santa Maria* – initially to San Salvador, one of the Bahamian islands. From there, they explored other locations in search of valuable resources.
However, Columbus’s historical significance is shadowed by controversies surrounding enslavement and colonization practices associated with his era.
In recent years, the observance of Columbus Day has faced increased challenges, prompting many communities to instead recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the impact of colonialism on Native populations.
The controversy surrounding Columbus has manifested in tangible actions, including the removal, defacement, and even destruction of statues dedicated to him.
- An 8-foot bronze statue previously situated at Byrd Park in Richmond, Virginia, was removed by protestors following the death of George Floyd in 2020. It ultimately found a new home in a New York City suburb.
- Images from that summer depicted demonstrations near the statue, with signs advocating for the removal of symbols representing colonizers and honoring Indigenous communities.
- The statue was pulled down from its pedestal using ropes, vandalized with spray paint, and set ablaze before being submerged in a nearby pond.
After retrieval and restoration, this nearly 100-year-old monument to Columbus was relocated to the Rockland Sons of Italy Lodge in Blauvelt, New York, approximately 20 miles northwest of New York City.
As perspectives on historical figures evolve, the debate surrounding Columbus Day continues to shape cultural and civic practices across the nation.
