Trump Criticizes Opposition in Columbus Day Message

<p>President Donald Trump criticized the Democratic Party in a Columbus Day message posted to his Truth Social account, attributing the movement to remove statues of Christopher Columbus to leftist groups.</p><p>Trump shared the message early on Sunday morning, ahead of the federal holiday on Monday, which was first proclaimed as an annual national observance by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937. He stated that the era of removing statues is "over." </p><p>"HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY TO ALL, in particular our great Italian American Community which was forced to suffer as the Radical Left Dumocrats, Socialists, and Communists rampaged through our cities and towns ripping down almost all of the beautiful statues of Christopher Columbus," Trump wrote.</p><p>He added, "Well, those days of plunder are over, and the statues are back, more magnificent than ever. This is a big day for our great Italian American Community, and the Country of Italy itself, maybe the biggest. Congratulations!" </p><p>In September, Trump announced that a statue of Columbus was placed in front of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. </p><p>"Christopher Columbus proudly stands at the entrance to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, directly adjacent to the White House, one of the most important Entrances to a Building in D.C. I did this in Honor of the Italian American Community — Industrious, brilliant, wonderful people. It is something that they have greatly appreciated!" he posted on Truth Social.</p><p>Trump has consistently supported Columbus despite criticisms regarding the explorer's treatment of Native Americans. In a 2018 tweet, he stated, "Christopher Columbus’s spirit of determination & adventure has provided inspiration to generations of Americans. On #ColumbusDay, we honor his remarkable accomplishments as a navigator, & celebrate his voyage into the unknown expanse of the Atlantic Ocean." </p><p>He also called for the observance of Columbus Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, directing that the United States flag be displayed on all public buildings to honor the nation's diverse history and contributions. </p><p>In several states, Columbus Day has been renamed or combined with Indigenous Peoples' Day in response to advocacy from various groups.</p>