Map Shows How States Mark Columbus Day As Trump Vows To Protect Holiday
Trump vows to protect Columbus Day as states differ over whether to mark it or Indigenous Peoples Day.
The second Monday of October brings Columbus Day to the United States, but how individuals celebrate the holiday varies widely by state. The extent of engagement depends on factors such as whether individuals receive a paid day off, choose to celebrate indigenous peoples, or continue with a regular workday. President Donald Trump has defended Christopher Columbus and pledged to protect his legacy, hosting a Columbus Day Celebration at the White House ahead of the federal holiday.
The administration even declared its 2026 Columbus Day proclamation on October 7, which urged Americans to honor Columbus's life and pledge to safeguard his story, vowing never to allow his legacy to be erased by "radical extremists."
However, the way states observe Columbus Day is far from uniform. According to an analysis by Pew Research Center, 30 states recognize the holiday in some form, while only 20 make it a paid holiday for state government employees. Some states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, recognize both occasions, or treat it as a normal working day, reflecting the ongoing debate surrounding Columbus's legacy.
Native American advocates and critics argue against celebrating him due to his treatment of Indigenous peoples and the consequences of European colonization, while Columbus Day has traditionally served as a celebration of Italian American heritage.
Trump has embraced Columbus as part of his broader effort to defend what his administration considers traditional American historical figures and symbols. In his 2026 proclamation, he called Columbus a "legend" and praised his "vision, fortitude, and perseverance" as instrumental in shaping the United States. He also addressed attempts to remove Columbus from public commemoration, stating that his legacy will not be erased by "radical extremists."
This position aligns with Trump's approach in 2025, where he accused "left-wing radicals" of removing Columbus statues and vandalizing monuments while describing Columbus as a "true American hero." Trump also wished Americans a "Happy Columbus Day" on a Truth Social post, singling out the Italian American community and criticizing the removal of Columbus statues.
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