Trump Administration Reinstalls Columbus Statue Near White House
A statue of Christopher Columbus has been installed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House, continuing the Trump administration’s efforts to recognize the controversial explorer. The statue, a replica of one removed from Baltimore’s harbor in 2020, was placed on Sunday, March 22, 2026, according to The New York Times and NBC News.
Background and Removal of the Original Statue
The original statue was toppled by protesters on July 4, 2020, and thrown into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor following widespread demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd. The removal was part of a nationwide wave of protests against institutional racism and a reevaluation of historical figures associated with colonialism and oppression, as reported by NBC News and CNN.
Trump Administration’s Stance
President Trump has consistently defended a traditional view of Columbus, portraying him as a key figure in the beginning of European colonization of the Americas and the development of the modern economic and political order. The White House posted on X, “In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero, and President Trump will ensure he’s honored as such for generations to come,” NBC News reported. Trump has criticized the removal of Columbus statues as the work of “left-wing arsonists” attempting to distort history and erase the memory of Italian Americans, according to NBC News.
Statue Details and Ownership
The newly installed statue is a replica created by sculptor Will Hemsley, based in Centreville, Maryland. The statue is primarily made of marble. It is owned by the Italian American Organizations United, which has loaned it to the federal government for placement near the White House. John Pica, president of the organization, expressed delight that the statue “has found a place where it can peacefully shine and be protected,” NBC News noted.
Controversy Surrounding Columbus
Christopher Columbus remains a contentious figure in American history. While traditionally celebrated as the discoverer of America, he is now widely recognized for his role in the conquest of the New World, the exploitation of its resources, and the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. Many cities and states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a shift that President Joe Biden formally recognized with a proclamation in 2021, NBC News reported.