Trump "Unilaterally Proclaims" Columbus Day Will Be Restored as a Federal Holiday

On Sunday, Trump stated that he plans to restore Columbus Day (the second Monday in October) as a federal holiday in the United States. However, a U.S. president cannot unilaterally cancel or declare a federal holiday; Congress approval is needed. Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, but as of last year, Indigenous Peoples' Day has replaced Columbus Day in over 200 cities and several states. Trump said on social media: "I will resurrect Columbus Day. Democrats are doing everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all Italians who love him." Christopher Columbus was a renowned medieval to modern European navigator, explorer, and colonizer. According to foreign media, many oppose the celebration of Columbus Day due to his colonial history and the torture and genocide of indigenous peoples. Indigenous Peoples' Day began in the 1990s and has gained momentum since, including in 2021 when Biden became the first president to formally recognize the holiday with a proclamation.