Trump Moves to Install Columbus Statue Near White House

The former president is taking steps to place a replica of the toppled Baltimore statue on federal property.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump is taking steps to install a replica of a Christopher Columbus statue that was toppled in Baltimore during protests in 2020. The statue, owned by the Italian American Organizations United, will be loaned to the federal government for placement near the White House. The move is seen as an effort by Trump to reshape the telling of U.S. history as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Why it matters

The placement of the Columbus statue near the White House is part of Trump's broader efforts to uphold a traditional, heroic view of the explorer, despite growing recognition of the harms inflicted on Native Americans and enslaved Africans during the European colonization of the Americas. This reflects an ongoing debate over how to interpret America's founding and early history.

The details

The statue is a replica of one that was toppled by protesters in Baltimore in 2020 amid anger over the death of George Floyd. The Italian American group that owns the statue agreed to loan it to the federal government after being contacted by an intermediary. The exact timing of the installation is unclear, but the group says it could happen within two weeks.

  • In July 2020, the original statue was toppled by protesters in Baltimore and thrown into the harbor.
  • Around Columbus Day 2021, the Italian American group was contacted by an intermediary about loaning the statue to the White House.
  • On February 3, 2026, the group signed an agreement to loan the statue to the federal government.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who is taking steps to install the Columbus statue near the White House as part of his efforts to uphold a traditional, heroic view of the explorer.

Italian American Organizations United

A group that owns the replica of the toppled Baltimore Columbus statue and has agreed to loan it to the federal government for placement near the White House.

John Pica

A Maryland lobbyist and president of the Italian American Organizations United.

Nino Mangione

A Maryland state delegate who has worked with the Italian American group to find a new home for the statue after it was pulled from the Baltimore harbor.

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What they’re saying

“In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero. And he will continue to be honored as such by President Trump.”

— David Ingle, Trump spokesman (The Associated Press)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.