Officials across the federal government marked Columbus Day on October 12, 2026, reiterating admiration for Christopher Columbus and framing his voyage as foundational to American greatness. The White House and multiple cabinet members used the occasion to counter progressive narratives that portray the explorer as a symbol of oppression.
Trump Administration Celebrates Columbus Day
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Columbus, the son of a Genoese wool weaver, “sailed westward to widen the boundaries of the known world” and never lost conviction despite a mutinous crew. He added that President Trump has defended Columbus against a radical left campaign to erase his legacy.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted an AI‑generated video set to “Pirates of the Caribbean” music, celebrating the holiday with a light‑hearted tone. The video featured animated ships sailing across a digital sea, reinforcing the holiday spirit.
Department of Education officials declared that “lying propaganda” has painted Columbus as a genocidal racist, and they are fighting revisionist history that undermines American education. They argue that such narratives distort the nation’s founding principles.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner linked Columbus’s 1492 departure to the broader story of American heroism during the nation’s 250th birthday year, calling the explorer a “brave Italian” who helped shape the United States. Turner said the celebration underscores the enduring legacy of discovery in American history.
U.S. Department of Labor posted a message stating “Before liberty, came discovery,” and praised President Trump for restoring Columbus Day as a national celebration. The department emphasized that the holiday honors the pioneering spirit that built the country.
Health and Human Services shared a photo of the Columbus statue reinstalled near the White House, honoring the explorer’s spirit of discovery and its role in building a stronger America. The agency said the image reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving historic symbols.
Department of War’s chief technology officer issued a tribute, noting that Columbus’s voyage “changed the course of history” and helped birth the greatest nation the world has ever known. He called the day a reminder of America’s adventurous past.
President Trump’s preliminary proclamation, circulated on social media, described Columbus as a “brave Italian explorer” whose discovery paved the way for the United States and urged Americans to celebrate Columbus Day once again. The document frames the holiday as a celebration of national resilience and unity.
Across agencies, the administration framed Columbus Day as a unifying reminder of discovery, perseverance, and national pride, while dismissing progressive critiques as propaganda. Officials said the coordinated effort reinforces a shared narrative of American greatness.
