Map Shows How States Mark Columbus Day As Trump Vows To Protect Holiday

Key Points:

• Columbus Day, observed federally on October 12, 2026, is marked differently across U.S. states, with some offering paid holidays, others recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, and some treating it as a normal working day.
• The Trump administration strongly defends Columbus' legacy, hosting a White House celebration and issuing a proclamation pledging to protect his story against efforts to erase it by "radical extremists."
• Thirty states recognize Columbus Day in some form, with 20 providing a paid holiday for state employees; others have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples Day or recognize both, reflecting ongoing debates about Columbus' historical impact.
• The holiday's observance often correlates with the size of Italian American communities, as Columbus Day historically honored Italian American heritage amid past anti-Italian prejudice, while Indigenous groups oppose celebrating Columbus due to his treatment of Native peoples.
• Despite state-level variations, the federal government under Trump continues to promote Columbus Day as a celebration of traditional American historical figures, signaling a continuation of this stance in 2026.