Trump Installs Christopher Columbus Statue Near White House

A statue of Christopher Columbus has been placed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the White House, sparking both praise and criticism. The installation occurred overnight on Sunday, March 22, 2026, according to reports from the Associated Press and The New York Times.

A Symbol of Heritage or Controversy?

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated, “As we celebrate our Nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, the White House is proud to honor Christopher Columbus’s legendary life and legacy with a well-deserved statue on the White House grounds. In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero and President Trump will ensure he’s honored as such for generations to come.”

The statue is a replica of one originally located in Baltimore’s Little Italy. The original statue was toppled and thrown into the city’s Inner Harbor in July 2020 following protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd as reported by NPR. Divers recovered pieces of the statue, which were then rebuilt by a Maryland sculptor.

John Pica, a Maryland lobbyist who oversaw the statue’s reconstruction, explained that the replica had been completed for several years and was awaiting a suitable location. He received a call last week from the White House requesting the statue for a loan lasting until the end of President Trump’s term.

Complex Legacy and Public Reaction

The installation of the statue has drawn mixed reactions. Some, like Martha Castillo, a tourist from San Diego, California, believe it’s important to remember American history. Others express concern over Columbus’s controversial legacy, particularly regarding his role in the colonization of the Americas and the impact on Indigenous populations.

Historians and activists have long debated Columbus’s place in history. Critics point to the violence, exploitation, and disease that accompanied European colonization, while supporters emphasize his role in opening up the Americas to European exploration and exchange.

The Trump administration previously commemorated Columbus Day with a proclamation in 2025, defending the explorer against criticism according to the White House archives.

Ongoing Debate

The placement of the statue underscores the ongoing debate surrounding Columbus’s legacy and the broader discussion about how to represent historical figures with complex and often troubling pasts. The statue’s presence on the White House grounds is likely to remain a point of contention as long as it remains in place.