Trump saves Columbus Day from “left-wing arsonists”

President Donald Trump reignited a familiar cultural battle by reinstating Columbus Day as a stand-alone holiday and omitting any mention of Indigenous Peoples Day from his proclamation Calling Christopher Columbus the original American hero Trump declared his intention to reclaim Columbus s extraordinary legacy from left-wing arsonists who have sought to destroy his name and dishonor his memory The proclamation celebrates Italian-American heritage and portrays Columbus as a symbol of discovery and patriotism We re back Italians Trump declared according to People magazine The decision marks a sharp reversal from new years when multiple presidents had formally recognized both holidays Dozens of U S cities and states including Los Angeles Seattle and Philadelphia now observe Indigenous Peoples Day to honor Native resilience and acknowledge the violence of colonization Indigenous advocacy groups swiftly condemned Trump s move saying it erases Native histories and undermines reconciliation efforts This is about more than a holiday it s about whose stories matter disclosed one coalition message from Native leaders in California Supporters meanwhile applauded Trump for defending tradition and resisting what they view as politically motivated historical revisionism GOP lawmakers have even proposed act to penalize municipalities that dropped Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day The federal holiday first recognized in remains Columbus Day under U S law Presidential proclamations can shape its symbolism but not alter its official status Trump s stance underscores broader political divides over how the nation remembers its past For specific Columbus Day remains a point of ethnic pride for others it represents the beginning of centuries of Indigenous suffering In choosing one over the other Trump has once again positioned himself squarely in the middle of America s ongoing way of life wars Read more about this topic How America got so weird The Pilgrims made us do it Why more places are abandoning Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day The truth about Columbus Day explained The post Trump saves Columbus Day from left-wing arsonists appeared first on Salon com