Well, indirectly. In his proclamation today for Columbus Day, he mentions the Native Americans … by omission. (Emphasis mine.)
Five hundred and twenty-five years ago, Christopher Columbus completed an ambitious and daring voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. The voyage was a remarkable and then-unparalleled feat that helped launch the age of exploration and discovery. The permanent arrival of Europeans to the Americas was a transformative event that undeniably and fundamentally changed the course of human history and set the stage for the development of our great Nation. Therefore, on Columbus Day, we honor the skilled navigator and man of faith, whose courageous feat brought together continents and has inspired countless others to pursue their dreams and convictions — even in the face of extreme doubt and tremendous adversity. More than five centuries after his initial voyage, we remember the “Admiral of the Ocean Sea” for building the critical first link in the strong and enduring bond between the United States and Europe.
Trump, like every US President, is required by 1934 law to proclaim this day in commemoration of Christopher Columbus. However, it’s possible to do so and acknowledge that, y’know, there were already some people here when Columbus arrived … and what happened to them for the next 500+ years wasn’t necessarily all that nifty as a “transformative event.” Obama, in 2015, for example, included in his proclamation:
Though these early travels expanded the realm of European exploration, to many they also marked a time that forever changed the world for the indigenous peoples of North America. Previously unseen disease, devastation, and violence were introduced to their lives — and as we pay tribute to the ways in which Columbus pursued ambitious goals — we also recognize the suffering inflicted upon Native Americans and we recommit to strengthening tribal sovereignty and maintaining our strong ties.
Trump, though, has no time for such politesse. He’s too busy praising Italian-American voters listeners.
While Isabella I and Ferdinand II of Spain sponsored his historic voyage, Columbus was a native of the City of Genoa, in present day Italy, and represents the rich history of important Italian American contributions to our great Nation. There can be no doubt that American culture, business, and civic life would all be much less vibrant in the absence of the Italian American community.
Of course, a hundred-plus years ago, Trump would have been one of the loudest voices complaining about all those Italians flooding into our country, with their weird and un-American religious practices, their murderous and lascivious ways, and their lazy work ethic. [1]
[h/t +John E. Bredehoft]
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[1] That would have included both of my maternal grandparents’ families.
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims October 9, 2017, as Columbus Day
COLUMBUS DAY, 2017 – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
