The Trump campaign criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her support of renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day, accusing her of wanting to erase American traditions. Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Harris is a typical leftist who not only wants to raise taxes and defund the police but also wants to cancel holidays like Columbus Day. The campaign vowed to honor Christopher Columbus’ legacy and protect the holiday from radical leftists like Harris who aim to erase the nation’s history.
Harris expressed her support for renaming Columbus Day during her 2019 campaign in New Hampshire, citing the need to acknowledge the crimes of slavery, Jim Crow, and institutionalized racism in the United States. She emphasized the importance of being honest about the country’s history and supporting indigenous Americans. Harris has consistently celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day over Columbus Day during her time in office as vice president.
Columbus Day, a federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492, has faced criticism in recent years for celebrating colonialism and genocide. Activists have called for the day to be rebranded as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor Native Americans instead. President Biden recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021, signaling a shift in how the holiday is celebrated at the federal level.
While Harris and Trump campaign representatives have expressed opposing views on Columbus Day, the debate over the holiday’s significance continues. Efforts to address the impact of European explorers on tribal nations and acknowledge the country’s complex history remain ongoing. As the nation grapples with its past, discussions around holidays like Columbus Day serve as a reminder of the need to confront historical injustices and work towards a more inclusive future.