In a spirited cabinet meeting on Thursday, President Trump marked the occasion by endorsing the contributions of two historical figures—Leif Erikson, the famed Norse explorer, and Christopher Columbus, whom Trump’s proclamation would have us believe is the quintessential American hero, a “[g]iant of Western civilization” and a paragon of bravado.
Today, October 9, celebrates Leif Erikson Day, while Columbus Day looms on Monday, October 13. A notable statement came as Trump assured that Columbus’s legacy would not be tarnished by the so-called “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” “We’re calling it Columbus today,” Trump declared amidst applause, which he jocularly pointed out was unprecedented—a moment when press members reportedly abandoned their usual stoicism for cheers.
“Good. Columbus Day—we’re back, Italians! We love the Italians,” Trump quipped, reinstating a sense of festivity surrounding the holiday.
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In a proclamation laden with fervor, Trump denounced recent attempts by “radical leftists” to rewrite history, painting Columbus as an emblematic hero whose explorations catalyzed Western civilization. According to the proclamation, “Christopher Columbus was a true American hero, and every citizen is eternally indebted to his relentless determination.”
One striking excerpt from the memo states:
“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.”
In addition, the proclamation attributes Columbus with laying the groundwork for the success of Western civilization, notably by linking his discoveries with the American Revolution nearly three centuries later.
“This Columbus Day, more than 500 years since Columbus arrived in the New World, we follow his example, we echo his resolve, and we offer our gratitude for his life of valor and grit. Above all, we commit to restoring a Nation that once again dares to tame the unknown, honors our rich cultural inheritance, and offers rightful praise to our Creator above,” the proclamation continues.
Earlier in April, Trump had expressed his resolve to resurrect Columbus Day “from the ashes” after claiming Democrats sought to dismantle Columbus’s legacy. “They tore down his Statues and put up nothing but ‘WOKE,’ or even worse, nothing at all!” he proclaimed. “You’ll be happy to know, Christopher is going to make a major comeback. I am hereby reinstating Columbus Day under the same rules, dates, and locations, as it has had for all of the many decades before!”
