Columbus Day has been changed or renamed in many places to Indigenous Peoples' Day or Native American Day to recognize the history and culture of Indigenous peoples and address the controversies surrounding Columbus's legacy. While many states and cities now observe Indigenous Peoples' Day either in place of or alongside Columbus Day, the federal stance has seen recent changes. President Joe Biden in 2021 formally acknowledged Indigenous Peoples' Day alongside Columbus Day. However, in 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation reinstating the exclusive observance of Columbus Day on October 13, reversing Biden's dual recognition policy. Thus, federally, Columbus Day remains recognized, but many states continue to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day or both holidays together.
Summary:
- Indigenous Peoples' Day is widely adopted by states and cities replacing or alongside Columbus Day to honor Native American history.
- President Biden in 2021 recognized both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day federally.
- President Trump in 2025 reversed this, reinstating Columbus Day as the sole federal observance on October 13.
- States like South Dakota call it Native American Day; others celebrate both or one of the two holidays.
This reflects the ongoing debate and varied observances of the holiday across the U.S..
