Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com
President Trump expressed his intentions on Sunday to distance himself from his predecessor’s approach to recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day along with Columbus Day. He criticized Democrats for what he perceives as an attack on Christopher Columbus’s legacy, positioning himself in favor of reviving traditional American icons.
Joe Biden, the first president to officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, issued a proclamation in 2021 that highlighted the “valuable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples” while reaffirming their “inherent sovereignty.” This proclamation emphasized America’s founding promise of equality, acknowledging that the nation has historically fallen short, particularly regarding the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Trump took to social media to declare his support for Columbus Day, stating, “I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes.” He articulated his view that Democrats have sought to discredit Columbus and the Italian-American community, asserting that he intends to restore the holiday’s previous observances and practices.
The federal holiday, observed on the second Monday in October, continues to be recognized as Columbus Day during Biden’s administration. While it was a time of dual recognition, Biden did not alter the federal observance of the holiday. His proclamation directed that the United States flag be displayed at public buildings as a tribute to the diverse history and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Biden’s acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples Day aligned with longstanding activist efforts aimed at reframing the narrative surrounding Columbus, shifting the focus from his explorations to the negative impacts on Indigenous populations. This shift has gained traction, with numerous states and cities, such as Columbus, Ohio; San Francisco; and Seattle, opting to honor Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day, recognizing the legacies of colonialism.
Locations like New York recognize both designations, with Governor Kathy Hochul marking Indigenous Peoples Day since 2021, while still hosting the nation’s largest Columbus Day parade in New York City.
Trump has historically resisted the portrayal of U.S. history through themes of diversity and oppression, yet Columbus Day was initially integrated into the calendar as a gesture towards the nation’s evolving diversity.
Notably, Columbus never set foot on the North American continent, but his legacy became significant amidst a growing Italian immigrant population seeking acknowledgment in the United States. The first celebration of Columbus Day arose in response to the lynching of 11 Italian-American immigrants in New Orleans in 1891, officially initiated by President Benjamin Harrison in the subsequent year. It wasn’t until 1934 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated Columbus Day as a national holiday.
Trump has voiced his objections regarding the removal of Columbus statues, reiterating this sentiment in his recent statements. His criticism emerged prominently in 2017 when efforts to review the Columbus statue in New York were initiated by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio. While the statue remains, other Columbus memorials have faced vandalism or removal.
During 2020, the Trump administration allocated funds to restore a Columbus statue in Baltimore, which had been toppled during protests triggered by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The climate of social unrest surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement saw numerous Columbus statues either dismantled or vandalized, reflecting broader debates over historical legacies in America.
More from CBS News
Source
www.cbsnews.com