US Officials, Lawmakers Debate Columbus Day Legacy, Indigenous Peoples' Day

General38 sourcesOct 12, 2026

Leans rightFactual rigor 46/100

The Story

On October 12, 2026, the observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day prompted varied reactions and statements from US officials and lawmakers.

President Donald Trump issued a Columbus Day message, stating that the days of plunder of statues are over and that the holiday is important for the Italian American community. He also accused a Michigan Senate candidate of wanting to abolish Columbus Day. Federal holidays, including Columbus Day, do not uniformly dictate closures for state-run agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

DMV operating schedules vary by state and local government holiday calendars, with motorists advised to check their specific state's DMV website. Banks and post offices also have varied operating schedules, with some closed and others open on Columbus Day.

What they agree on

Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October, which fell on October 12, 2026.
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States.
Indigenous Peoples' Day is also observed, often on the same day as Columbus Day.
There is a debate surrounding the legacy of Christopher Columbus and the significance of Columbus Day versus Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Where they split

Some sources emphasize the Trump administration's defense of Columbus's legacy and criticism of efforts to erase it, while others focus on Representative Brandon Gill's similar statements.
Coverage diverges on the extent to which state and local entities, such as DMVs, close for Columbus Day, with some articles detailing specific closure policies and others noting general variability.
Several sources highlight the historical context of Columbus Day as a celebration of Italian American heritage, while others focus on the critiques of Columbus and the rise of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Some articles detail specific protests and activism related to Indigenous Peoples' Day and critiques of Columbus, while others focus on official statements and holiday observances.

The Spread

Leans right

37 sources placed · 21 from headlines only · 1 not measured

22 far left

11 left

55 centre left

1212 centre

66 centre right

77 right

44 far right

The coverage 38 sources

Far LeftTruthoutIndigenous People Are Resisting Erasure From Schools, Media, and Our Land (opens the publisher’s site)
Far LeftDemocracy Now!Indigenous Peoples' Day: Leonard Peltier on Resistance, New Film & Fighting for Freedom (opens the publisher’s site)
LeftThe NationLatino Pride: Honoring Heritage, Challenging Columbus Day (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftAlbany Times UnionWhat is Indigenous Peoples Day? A day of celebration, protest and reclaiming history - Times Union (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftEl Pais (English)From vectors of disease to naturally resistant: How Bolivian medicine viewed Indigenous people (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftFast CompanyWhat’s open and closed on Columbus Day 2026? Banks, stock markets, Costco, CVS, mail, and more (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-Leftla RepubblicaColumbus Day is about more than Columbus. It’s about Italian Americans (opens the publisher’s site)
Center-LeftUSA TodayWhat's open and closed on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day? (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterPBS NewsHourWhat is Indigenous Peoples Day? 3 things to know (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterEl Paso TimesIs today a federal holiday? Here's what's open, closed on Columbus Day (opens the publisher’s site)