Trump Vows End to Dual Columbus, Indigenous Day

Former President Donald Trump has pledged to restore traditional Columbus Day observances, criticizing Democrats for promoting Indigenous Peoples' Day and removing Columbus statues. Trump stated he would not continue the dual recognition of both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day, a practice begun by President Joe Biden in 2021 when he became the first president to issue a formal proclamation for Indigenous Peoples' Day while also commemorating Columbus Day. Columbus Day remains a federally recognized holiday, observed on the second Monday in October, though many states and cities have shifted to or added Indigenous Peoples' Day, citing Columbus's controversial legacy. Trump's announcement is viewed as a symbolic response to these local changes and as part of his broader opposition to 'woke culture.' The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions in the U.S. over how to commemorate historical figures and address the nation's colonial past. The discussion has reignited questions about the significance and future of Columbus Day in America.