President Donald Trump announced his intention to restore Columbus Day as a standalone holiday, rejecting the practice of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside it, a decision initiated by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump criticized the efforts to diminish Christopher Columbus's legacy and accused Democrats of undermining the recognition of Italian heritage. He emphasized this move as part of a broader campaign to restore traditional American symbols and narratives. Columbus Day, originally established to honor Italian immigrants and their contributions, has become a focal point in the debate over historical narratives and the recognition of indigenous histories. Despite Trump's objections, the holiday continues to be a reflection of America's multicultural past and the tensions inherent in its historical commemorations.

President Donald Trump declared his intention to restore Columbus Day as a singular holiday, distancing it from the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day that was initiated by Joe Biden during his presidency.

Trump accused Democrats of attempting to destroy Christopher Columbus's reputation and dismissing the significance of Italian-American heritage, aligning this stance with his broader campaign to emphasize traditional American icons.

Joe Biden was the first president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day, celebrating the contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples and acknowledging the historical injustices they have faced.

The establishment of Columbus Day in the United States was significantly influenced by the need to honor Italian immigrants, particularly following anti-Italian violence, such as the lynching of 11 Italian-Americans in New Orleans in 1891.

The debate over Columbus Day reflects larger conversations about how American history is presented, focusing on diversity, oppression, and the contributions of various cultural groups, including Indigenous peoples and Italian-Americans.

Columbus Day was originally created as a nod to America's growing diversity, yet it has become a contentious symbol, with statues of Columbus being defaced or removed in recent years amid protests against historical injustices.

Trump's previous actions include opposing the removal of Columbus statues and restoring a statue in Baltimore in 2020, reflecting his commitment to preserving Columbus's legacy despite ongoing societal debates.