BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today, we pay tribute to the remarkable Christopher Columbus — an enduring symbol of American history, a formidable figure of Western civilization, and one of the most courageous and visionary individuals to have graced our planet. This Columbus Day, we celebrate his legacy with deep respect and appreciation, pledging to restore his remarkable heritage of faith, courage, perseverance, and honor from those who have sought to undermine his contributions and tarnish his memory.
Born in Genoa, Italy in 1451, Columbus quickly established himself as a monumental figure of the Age of Exploration. On August 3, 1492, after years of dedication, research, and advocacy, he obtained financial backing from the Spanish monarchy to embark on a bold journey that many deemed unattainable. Commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella, Columbus and his crew set sail aboard three modest vessels — the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria — embarking on a daring crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. His noble quest was driven by a vision to find a new trading route to Asia, elevate Spain’s glory, and disseminate the teachings of Jesus Christ to far-flung lands.
Just over two months later, on October 12, 1492, Columbus reached the shores of what is now known as the Bahamas. Upon his arrival, he planted a magnificent cross in a profound act of devotion, dedicating the land to God and igniting America’s rich narrative of faith. Though he initially believed he had reached Asia, his explorations revealed the vast potential and untold treasures of the New World to Europe. He continued his journey to Cuba and other Caribbean islands, exploring their coastlines and interacting with their inhabitants.
Fueled by unwavering prayer and an indomitable spirit, Columbus’s expedition brought centuries of wisdom, philosophy, reason, and culture across the Atlantic to the Americas — paving the way for the eventual flourishing of Western civilization less than three centuries later on July 4, 1776.
Regrettably, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been unjustly targeted by a concerted campaign to obliterate our history, malign our heroes, and assault our cultural heritage. Before our very eyes, radical factions have toppled his statues, defaced his memorials, besmirched his reputation, and attempted to erase his legacy from our public consciousness. Under my administration, those days are definitively behind us — and we will adhere to a fundamental truth: Christopher Columbus was a genuine American hero, and every citizen owes a debt of gratitude to his relentless resolve.
While we celebrate his contributions, we also recognize the myriad Italian-Americans who, like him, have significantly enriched our culture and way of life. The enduring friendship between the United States and Italy is anchored in shared values of faith, family, and freedom. My administration anticipates further strengthening this time-honored relationship in the future.
<pThis Columbus Day, over 500 years since his arrival in the New World, we look to his example, echo his tenacity, and express our gratitude for his courageous life. Above all, we commit ourselves to restoring a nation that dares to embrace the unknown, celebrates our diverse cultural heritage, and pays tribute to our Creator.
In recognition of Christopher Columbus’s monumental voyage, Congress, through a joint resolution on April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), has urged the President to declare the second Monday in October each year as “Columbus Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby declare October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day. I invite the people of the United States to honor this day with appropriate ceremonies and celebrations. I further direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on this day in tribute to the esteemed Christopher Columbus and all who have played a part in building our nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
