Trump Moves to Install Columbus Statue Near White House

The former president is taking steps to place a replica of a toppled Baltimore statue on federal land near the executive mansion.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Former President Donald Trump is taking steps to install a replica of a Christopher Columbus statue that was toppled during protests in Baltimore in 2020. The statue, owned by an Italian American advocacy group, 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 the latest move by Trump to promote a traditional, heroic view of the explorer, whose legacy has become increasingly controversial in recent years as historians have highlighted the harm done to Native Americans and enslaved Africans during European colonization of the Americas. The statue's relocation is part of a broader effort by Trump to counter what he sees as a 'left-wing' effort to 'rewrite' American history.

The details

An Italian American advocacy group, the Italian American Organizations United, owns the statue and has agreed to loan it to the federal government for placement near the White House. The group took a unanimous vote to send the statue to Washington. The exact timing for 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 the White House's interest in obtaining the statue.

The players

John Pica

A Maryland lobbyist and president of the Italian American Organizations United, the group that owns the Columbus statue.

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.

Donald Trump

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

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What they’re saying

“Cautiously optimistic, yes.”

— John Pica, President, Italian American Organizations United

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

— David Ingle, Spokesman, White House

What’s next

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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.