# Columbus Day Observance Varies

> Trump defends Columbus Day as states split on Indigenous recognition.
- Title: Columbus Day Observance Varies · Straight Arrow | Shortify
- Summary: Trump defends Columbus Day as states split on Indigenous recognition. Columbus Day observance varies by state: 20 states and territories offer paid holidays…
- Keywords: columbus day, donald trump, indigenous peoples day, state holidays, federal holidays, pew research center, united states, news, politics, world, Columbus, Day
- Source: Straight Arrow — https://san.com/cc/columbus-day-observance-varies-across-us-as-trump-defends-holiday
- Published: 2026-10-11T22:31:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: columbus day, donald trump, indigenous peoples day, state holidays, federal holidays, pew research center, united states, news, politics, world
## Columbus Day Observance
Americans mark Columbus Day on Monday under a patchwork of state and local observances.
## Trump's Columbus Day Proclamation
Trump proclaimed Oct. 12, 2026 as Columbus Day and directed U.S. flags be displayed on public buildings.
## Trump's Columbus Statue
Trump highlighted a replica of Christopher Columbus in D.C. in social media posts.
## Federal Holiday Impact
Federal offices close and regular mail delivery halts on Columbus Day.
## State Holiday Status
30 states and three territories recognize Columbus Day in some form, but only 20 states and two territories provide paid holidays for state workers.
## Indigenous Peoples Day Pairing
Five states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the same date as Columbus Day.
## State Shifts to Indigenous Day
Maine, Vermont, New Mexico and D.C. replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day in 2019.
## Key takeaway

Columbus Day observance varies by state: 20 states and territories offer paid holidays, 10 recognize it without paid time off, and 5 pair it with Indigenous Peoples Day.