Trump, marking Columbus Day, says 'days of plunder are over'

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump declared an end to the removal of Christopher Columbus statues, asserting that the "days of plunder are over" and that statues are being restored and celebrated once again.
• Trump emphasized his support for Columbus Day, crediting his backing from Italian Americans to his efforts to "resurrect" the explorer's legacy, including the installation of a new Columbus statue on White House grounds in 2023.
• The president has consistently pushed back against criticism of Columbus, arguing that activists have unfairly attacked the explorer's legacy and that Columbus is a hero to be honored.
• Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, but many states and cities have shifted to celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day to recognize Native American history and the negative impacts of European colonization.
• In contrast to Trump, President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2021, highlighting Native peoples' resilience and contributions to American society.