By Blessing Nweke
A statue of Christopher Columbus has been placed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, marking the latest effort by Donald Trump’s administration to honor the controversial explorer.
The statue is a replica of one that was thrown into Baltimore’s harbor in 2020 amid widespread protests against racial injustice. Those demonstrations followed the killing of George Floyd and sparked a nationwide reassessment of historical monuments.
In a statement posted on X, the White House said Columbus is regarded as a hero and pledged that he would be “honored for generations to come.” The statue has been loaned to the federal government by Italian American Organizations United, whose president, John Pica, welcomed its new placement, saying it would be protected and appreciated.
Created by Maryland-based sculptor Will Hemsley, the marble statue replaces the original destroyed during the unrest. Supporters of the installation say Columbus represents exploration and the beginnings of modern Western civilization.
However, critics argue that Columbus symbolizes the exploitation and suffering of Indigenous peoples following European colonization. In recent years, many cities and institutions have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day to reflect that perspective.
In 2021, Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples Day. Trump has repeatedly rejected that shift, accusing political opponents of distorting history.
The statue’s installation highlights ongoing cultural and political divisions in the United States over how historical figures should be remembered.
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