10/12/2025
In a contentious decision, President Donald Trump has officially declared Monday, October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day, reinstating the holiday with a proclamation that praises Christopher Columbus as a "true American hero."
Trump signed the proclamation during a Cabinet meeting on October 9, receiving applause. In his remarks, he criticized "left-wing radicals" for their efforts to erase Columbus’s legacy, condemning calls to remove his statues and rename the holiday, arguing that these actions dishonor American history.
The proclamation comes amid ongoing debate over the holiday’s significance. While Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since 1934, many states and cities have chosen to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, aiming to honor Native American communities and recognize the harm caused by European colonization.
Despite these local changes, Columbus Day remains a federal holiday. Trump’s decision to reaffirm it nationwide has reignited cultural debates over the legacy of historical figures and the narratives that shape America’s identity.
As the nation approaches Columbus Day on October 13, the debate persists: should Columbus be honored as a founding figure, or should we acknowledge the lasting impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples? Trump’s proclamation may settle the federal issue, but the broader conversation is far from over.