• Trump claims he's restoring Columbus Day, rejecting the dual recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
• The former president attributes attacks on Columbus' reputation to Democrats' influence.
• Columbus Day remains a federal holiday despite growing calls for Indigenous Peoples Day recognition.
• Activists argue against glorifying Columbus due to his destructive impact on Indigenous populations.
• Italian American groups have supported Trump's stance on preserving Columbus Day.

President Donald Trump recently asserted his intention to restore Columbus Day, claiming it had been "brought back from the ashes" due to what he perceived as a campaign by Democrats to undermine the legacy of the Italian explorer. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I am hereby reinstating Columbus Day under the same rules, dates, and locations, as it has had for all the many decades before!” This proclamation comes amidst a backdrop where Trump has frequently criticized Democratic efforts to honor Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day, which he describes as an attack on traditional American icons, according to HuffPost, Bloomberg, and Los Angeles Times.

This conflict is underscored by President Biden's recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, which marked a significant shift in how the holiday on the second Monday in October is viewed. Biden acknowledged “the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples,” highlighting their historical struggles and the need for a reflective observance of their heritage. Trump's remarks came after Biden's decision made history as the first presidential proclamation formally celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, an initiative that aligns with growing activism around the historical impact of colonialism, per CBS News and Newsweek.