Mon Oct 13 11:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article Summary:**

President Trump has officially declared Monday as Columbus Day, issuing a proclamation that champions the explorer’s legacy while criticizing those who challenge it. This move follows his previous commitment to “reinstate” the holiday. The proclamation does not acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated by many as an alternative. Critics argue that Columbus’ arrival triggered the genocide of Indigenous people and call for a more balanced narrative, highlighting both sides of the story. Supporters, particularly some Italian-American Republicans, praised Trump’s action. Experts like Matthew Fletcher see this as a strategic move to appeal to a specific demographic. Despite the renewed emphasis on Columbus Day, celebrations of Indigenous culture and heritage are expected to continue locally, tribally, and statewide.

**Rewritten News Article:**

**Trump Signs Proclamation Championing Columbus Day, Igniting Debate**

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation officially declaring Monday as Columbus Day, reigniting the ongoing debate over the holiday’s significance. During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump held up the signed document, reaffirming his commitment to what he called the explorer’s “extraordinary legacy of faith, courage, perseverance, and virtue.”

The proclamation, which comes after Trump’s April social media announcement vowing to “bring the holiday back from the ashes,” pointedly omits any mention of Indigenous Peoples Day, which many observe as an alternative holiday to recognize Native American contributions and acknowledge historical injustices. The proclamation accuses “left-wing arsonists” of trying to destroy Columbus’ name and dishonor his memory.

Critics, like Kerri Malloy, a professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies at San José State University, argue that celebrating Columbus overlooks the devastating impact his arrival had on Indigenous populations, including the spread of deadly diseases, land theft, and forced conversion. “You can’t tell a story without telling both sides of it,” Malloy said.

Despite the criticism, the proclamation has garnered support, particularly from some Italian-American Republicans. Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) tweeted, “Viva Italia! As a proud Italian-American, I fully support protecting Columbus Day and celebrating the rich history and contributions of Italian-Americans.” Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) also expressed her support.

Experts like Matthew Fletcher, director of the Indigenous Law and Policy Center at Michigan State University, view Trump’s move as a strategic attempt to appeal to specific voter demographics, suggesting it is less about genuine support for Columbus Day and more about “trolling people of color, underrepresented minorities that tend not to vote for his party.”

President Biden in 2021 became the first U.S. President to recognize Indigenous People’s Day alongside Columbus Day. The future remains uncertain regarding continued co-recognition.

While the proclamation encourages Americans to celebrate Columbus and display the U.S. flag, advocates for Indigenous rights emphasize that celebrations of Native American culture and heritage will continue. “It’s local, it’s tribal, it’s statewide in a lot of places, and it’s still going to be a legitimate thing, and people take it seriously,” Fletcher said.

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