From Newsweek · · 2m
Trump Vows to Protect Columbus Day as States Differ
Trump pledges to safeguard Columbus Day despite state-level variations in observance.
In brief
Trump pledges to safeguard Columbus Day despite state-level variations in observance. Trump promises federal protection for Columbus Day while states celebrate it differently, with some replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Columbus Day Observance Varies by State
Americans mark Columbus Day differently based on state laws, with some celebrating it as a paid holiday, others replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day, and many observing it as a regular workday.
Trump's Columbus Day Proclamation
Trump issued a 2026 proclamation calling Columbus a 'legend' and pledging to 'safeguard his story' and 'never allow his legacy to be erased by radical extremists'.
“We are forever indebted to his courageous voyage, and we will never allow his legacy to be erased by radical extremists.”
States with Paid Columbus Day
Seven states make Columbus Day a paid holiday for government employees: Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
States with Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day
Five states share Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day: Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
States Replacing Columbus Day
Delaware dropped Columbus Day entirely in 2009, while Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia replaced it with Indigenous Peoples Day in 2019.
Tennessee's Unique Approach
Tennessee shifts Columbus Day to the Friday after Thanksgiving to create a four-day weekend for communities.
Columbus Day History
Columbus Day was first a federal holiday in 1937 and moved from October 12 to the second Monday of October in 1971.
Native American Perspectives
Native American advocates oppose Columbus Day due to his treatment of Indigenous people and European colonization consequences.
Italian American Heritage
Italian American communities historically celebrated Columbus Day as a figure who 'brought together two worlds', with traditions varying by state.
Trump's 2026 Proclamation
Trump called Columbus a 'legend' and said his 'vision, fortitude, and perseverance' helped set historical events in motion for the United States.
What Happens Next
Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026, with federal observance continuing nationwide but state governments marking the date in markedly different ways.
The headline
Trump promises federal protection for Columbus Day while states celebrate it differently, with some replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day.
