President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation declaring October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day. The proclamation recognizes Christopher Columbus as "the original American hero, a giant of Western civilization, and one of the most gallant and visionary men to ever walk the face of the earth." President Trump emphasized honoring Columbus's legacy and criticized efforts to remove his statues and monuments, stating, "we pledge to reclaim his extraordinary legacy of faith, courage, perseverance, and virtue from the left-wing arsonists who have sought to destroy his name and dishonor his memory."
The proclamation recounts Columbus's journey from Genoa, Italy, and his expedition across the Atlantic in 1492 with the support of the Spanish Crown. It highlights the explorer's arrival in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, and his subsequent travels in the Caribbean. President Trump described Columbus's voyage as bringing "wisdom, philosophy, reason, and culture across the Atlantic into the Americas — paving the way for the ultimate triumph of Western civilization less than three centuries later on July 4, 1776."
The President also addressed recent controversies regarding Columbus's legacy: "Outrageously, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage. Before our very eyes, left-wing radicals toppled his statues, vandalized his monuments, tarnished his character, and sought to exile him from our public spaces. Under my leadership, those days are finally over — and our Nation will now abide by a simple truth: Christopher Columbus was a true American hero, and every citizen is eternally indebted to his relentless determination."
The proclamation further acknowledged the contributions of Italian-Americans and noted the enduring relationship between the United States and Italy. President Trump stated: "As we celebrate his legacy, we also acknowledge the contributions of the countless Italian-Americans who, like him, have endlessly contributed to our culture and our way of life. To this day, the United States and Italy share a special bond rooted in the timeless values of faith, family, and freedom. My Administration looks forward to strengthening our long and storied friendship in the years to come."
The observance of Columbus Day as a federal holiday is based on a joint resolution by Congress from April 30, 1934, later modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), which requests that the President proclaim the second Monday of October each year as “Columbus Day.”
President Trump concluded: "NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of the great Christopher Columbus and all who have contributed to building our Nation."
