Trump signs Columbus Day proclamation, urges flag displays and denounces critics

📌 Key Facts

President Trump issued a Columbus Day proclamation that frames an intent to “reclaim” Columbus’s legacy and accuses “left-wing arsonists” of trying to destroy his name.
The proclamation urges Americans to celebrate Columbus and calls for the U.S. flag to be displayed on all public buildings on the holiday.
Pew Research data: 30 states and three U.S. territories recognize Columbus Day in some way, while 17 states and Washington, D.C., commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day (some jurisdictions recognize both).
On-record reactions from Republicans Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler praised the proclamation.
Background: In 2021, President Biden became the first U.S. president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the same date as Columbus Day.

Many X users from Indigenous communities express outrage, viewing the proclamation as an erasure of Native American history and a glorification of colonialism that ignores the genocide and suffering caused by Columbus.
Supporters on X celebrate the move as a victory for Italian-American heritage, emphasizing pride in Columbus as a symbol of exploration and criticizing 'woke' efforts to replace the holiday.
Some X posts highlight the political divide, with conservatives praising Trump for reversing Biden-era recognitions of Indigenous Peoples Day and framing it as a stand against left-wing revisionism.
Critics on X argue that the proclamation dismisses ongoing efforts for inclusivity, pointing out that honoring Columbus perpetuates a narrative that overlooks the brutal impacts on Indigenous populations.
A perspective shared on X calls for dual recognition of both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day, suggesting that the proclamation exacerbates divisions rather than fostering a balanced acknowledgment of history.

Based on 2 sources

NPR by Ayana Archie October 11, 2025

New information:

Proclamation frames intent to 'reclaim' Columbus' legacy and accuses 'left-wing arsonists' of trying to destroy his name.
President encourages Americans to celebrate Columbus and to display the U.S. flag on all public buildings on the holiday.
Context data: Pew Research count that 30 states and three U.S. territories recognize Columbus Day in some way, while 17 states and D.C. commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day (some recognize both).
On-record reactions from Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler praising the proclamation.
Background note: Biden in 2021 became the first president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the same date.

Fox News October 09, 2025