In a bold statement on Columbus Day, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., stirred controversy by reframing the federal holiday as a day to honor Indigenous peoples and highlighting historical injustices.
According to Breitbart, the statement from Pressley, which drew sharp online reactions and contrasted with President Donald Trump's push to uphold Columbus Day, underscored a deep divide over how history should be remembered.
On the day traditionally recognized as Columbus Day, a federal holiday commemorating Italian explorer Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, Pressley took to social media with a different message.
She referred to the occasion as "Indigenous Peoples' Day," a designation not recognized as a federal holiday but intentionally set on the same date as Columbus Day. Pressley used the moment to remind Americans of past wrongs, emphasizing the impact of colonization on Native communities.
In her statement, Pressley declared, "Happy Indigenous People's Day! We are all on stolen land." She went further, accusing some political figures of glossing over the nation’s painful past. "And while Republicans try to whitewash American history, we acknowledge our country's role in inflicting trauma on our Indigenous neighbors," Pressley added.
Pressley also expressed a commitment to recognizing Indigenous contributions moving forward. "We'll keep celebrating their contributions, centering Native voices in our policymaking, & building a more just, equitable future," she said in her social media post. Her remarks aimed to shift focus from traditional narratives to a perspective that prioritizes Native experiences.
The congresswoman's comments did not go without criticism, particularly on social platforms. Some users on X mocked her statement, suggesting she relinquish personal property as a symbolic gesture. One idea floated online was that Pressley should transfer her homes in Boston and Martha's Vineyard to the Massachusett tribe, for whom the state is named.
Columbus Day has long been a federal holiday marking Christopher Columbus’s exploration of the Americas in 1492. However, in recent years, it has become a point of contention, with some advocating for a day to honor Indigenous peoples instead. The only administration to officially acknowledge "Indigenous Peoples' Day" at the federal level was that of former President Joe Biden.
On the other side of the debate, President Donald Trump has actively sought to preserve the holiday’s original intent. In April, Trump announced his intention to revive the prominence of Columbus Day, which he believes has been unfairly targeted. "I'm bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes," Trump declared, signaling his determination to uphold its significance.
Trump has framed his push as a defense against efforts to erase historical figures like Columbus. "The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much," he stated. He argues that the holiday is under attack by those who wish to replace it with an alternative observance.
Last week, Trump took formal action to reinforce his stance on the matter. He signed an official proclamation aimed at restoring what he described as Columbus’s remarkable qualities. The document seeks to reclaim the explorer’s legacy of faith, courage, and determination from those who aim to tarnish it.
The contrasting views of Pressley and Trump reflect a broader national conversation about history and memory. While Pressley emphasizes the need to confront past harms done to Indigenous communities, Trump focuses on preserving traditional commemorations. This clash highlights how interpretations of history continue to shape modern political discourse.
The debate over Columbus Day versus Indigenous Peoples’ Day has sparked varied responses among Americans. Some support Pressley’s call for recognition of Native histories and contributions to the nation. Others align with Trump’s view, valuing the holiday as a tribute to exploration and Italian-American heritage.
As this issue unfolds, it raises questions about how the United States chooses to honor its complex past. Neither side appears ready to concede, with both Pressley and Trump standing firm in their respective positions. The outcome of this cultural and political tug-of-war remains to be seen, but it is clear that the discussion is far from over.