Thu Oct 09 16:00:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article: President Trump Issues Columbus Day Proclamation, Defends Explorer’s Legacy

**Washington D.C. -** President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation declaring October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day, using the occasion to strongly defend the legacy of Christopher Columbus against what he termed “left-wing arsonists” attempting to “destroy his name and dishonor his memory.”

In the proclamation released Friday, President Trump lauded Columbus as “the original American hero, a giant of Western civilization, and one of the most gallant and visionary men to ever walk the face of the earth.” He highlighted Columbus’s 1492 voyage, funded by the Spanish Crown, as a pivotal moment that “opened the vast frontier and untold splendors of the New World to Europe.”

The President specifically condemned recent efforts to remove Columbus statues and revise the historical narrative surrounding the explorer. “Outrageously, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage,” Trump stated. “Under my leadership, those days are finally over.”

Trump affirmed that Columbus “was a true American hero, and every citizen is eternally indebted to his relentless determination.” He also acknowledged the contributions of Italian-Americans to American culture and emphasized the strong bond between the United States and Italy.

The proclamation concluded by calling upon Americans to observe Columbus Day with “appropriate ceremonies and activities” and directing that the U.S. flag be displayed on all public buildings in honor of Columbus and those who contributed to building the nation.

The proclamation reinforces the President’s past stance on historical figures and monuments, sparking renewed debate surrounding Columbus’s legacy and the broader implications of celebrating his contributions in light of the impact his arrival had on indigenous populations.

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