Trump Leaves Native Americans Out of Columbus Day Speech

President Donald Trump did not mention Native Americans during his proclamation of Columbus Day, in a break from his predecessor.

"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," Trump wrote in his proclamation, according to The Hill.

"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."

Columbus Day, though not recognized in every state, and has attracted some criticism over its celebration of the explorer's "discovery" of America. In recent times, there's been a push to renamed the holiday Indigenous Peoples' Day, to highlight those who already lived on this land before Columbus' arrival.

In 2016, former President Barack Obama noted in his Columbus Day speech, "as we mark this rich history, we must also acknowledge the pain and suffering reflected in the stories of Native Americans who had long resided on this land prior to the arrival of European newcomers. The past we share is marked by too many broken promises, as well as violence, deprivation, and disease. It is a history that we must recognize as we seek to build a brighter future — side by side and with cooperation and mutual respect."

Obama also mentioned the good that Native Americans have done for the country, "We have made great progress together in recent years, and we will keep striving to maintain strong nation-to-nation relationships, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and help all our communities thrive."

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