President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday designating October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day to honor Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage and its role in European exploration of the New World.

 The White House event featured applause from Cabinet members and press after Trump’s remark, ‘Columbus Day—we’re back, Italians!’

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni expressed gratitude over Trump’s act, she wrote: “I thank the President of the United States, @realDonaldTrump, for restoring Columbus Day and for thus reminding us that history cannot be erased.

“And I thank him for having, on this occasion, reaffirmed the ancient bond that unites our two Nations and that both intend to strengthen, also thanks to the precious contribution of the proud Italian-American community.” She concluded

This reverses the prior administration’s dual recognition of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, prompting celebrations from Italian American groups and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while renewing discussions on Columbus’s historical legacy.