Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day? Trump slams critics

President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation ahead of Columbus Day, defending Christopher Columbus from what he calls "a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage." Columbus Day, which was originally observed Oct. 12 and has been observed on

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What is the story about?

President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation ahead of Columbus Day, defending Christopher Columbus from what he calls "a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage."

Columbus Day, which was originally observed Oct. 12 and has been observed on the second Monday in October since 1971, commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492.

The Pew Research Center notes that Columbus Day has faced scrutiny from Native American advocates and others, who argue that Christopher Columbus isn't an appropriate person to celebrate, with observance at state level varying widely.

Trump's Oct. 7 proclamation echoes the sentiment of an Oct. 9, 2025, proclamation with the president

proclaiming Oct. 12, 2026, Columbus Day and denouncing those who refuse to celebrate.

Here's what to know about the federal holiday this year, plus North Carolina's stance and more.

Is it Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?

In the case of many states, holidays honoring indigenous peoples are also observed on the second Monday in October, observed alongside Columbus Day. Other states celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day or similar holidays on their own dates as paid or unpaid holidays.

In 2021, President Joe Biden recognized both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day amid widespread concerns that honoring the explorer glorifies the exploitation and genocide of native peoples. Biden was the first president to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.

Trump's Columbus Day proclamation

U.S. President Donald Trump holds an executive order about Columbus Day during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 9, 2025.

On Oct. 7, Trump issued a proclamation titled "Columbus Day, 2026," mirroring his Oct. 9, 2025, proclamation with a similar title, in which he proclaimed Oct. 12, 2026, as Columbus Day, calling upon U.S. residents to "observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities" and directing the U.S. flag to be displayed on all public buildings on Oct. 12.

In the 2025 proclamation, Trump stated, "Outrageously, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage."

This year's proclamation echoed this sentiment, stating that the Trump administration would "never allow his legacy to be erased by radical extremists" and adding that Columbus is a "legend whose vision, fortitude, and perseverance unleashed a dynamic of history that led to the creation of the greatest, freest, and most just Nation in history."

Trump noted the installation earlier this year of a statue of Columbus on the White House grounds, a replica of a statue dedicated by former President Ronald Reagan in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1984.

"Now placed at the White House, this magnificent monument stands as a testament to the resilient legacy of one of history’s greatest heroes," Trump stated in the 2026 proclamation.

What happens on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

Britannica explains that Columbus Day commemorates the landing of Columbus in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492. Originally, the date was observed on Oct. 12; since 1971, it has been observed on the second Monday in October.

Is Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day a federal holiday?

Columbus Day is among the 11 federal holidays observed by the U.S. government.

Indigenous Peoples Day, while observed by several states and many municipalities, is not an official federal holiday.

When is Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day 2026?

Columbus Day falls on Monday, Oct. 12 this year. Individual states may honor Indigenous Peoples Day on the same date as Columbus Day, or on their own separate dates as paid or unpaid holidays.

Is Indigenous Peoples Day a state holiday in North Carolina?

On Oct. 7, N.C. Gov. Josh Stein proclaimed Oct. 12, 2026, Indigenous Peoples Day in the Tar Heel State. Columbus Day is designated as a holiday in N.C., but is not a paid day off for state workers.

Are banks open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

Banks and financial services generally close on the same days the Federal Reserve observes, which follows the federal holiday schedule. Check with your local bank branch for holiday hours.

Many banks will have ATM services available, even if the building is closed. But be aware that some transactions, including deposits, might not process until the next business day.

Will mail be delivered on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

The U.S. Postal Service is closed on all federal holidays, meaning no usual mail delivery will take place on Columbus Day.

Will FedEx, UPS deliver packages on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

FedEx will deliver as usual on Monday, Oct. 12. UPS notes that pickup and delivery are available, but the USPS holiday will add one day of transit time to UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations packages.