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Centreville Today
By the People, for the People
Trump Installs Columbus Statue Near White House
Statue is a replica of one toppled in 2020 during protests against institutional racism
Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:30am
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A statue of Christopher Columbus has been placed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House, the latest effort by President Trump's administration to recognize the controversial explorer. The statue is a replica of one that was tossed into Baltimore's harbor in 2020 during nationwide protests against institutional racism.
Why it matters
The move to install the Columbus statue near the White House is the latest in a long-running debate over how to view the legacy of Christopher Columbus, who is seen by some as a symbol of Western colonization and the exploitation of native peoples, while others view him as a pioneering explorer. The decision reflects the Trump administration's traditional stance on honoring Columbus.
The details
The statue, made mostly of marble, was created by sculptor Will Hemsley and is owned by the Italian American Organizations United, which agreed to loan it to the federal government for placement at or near the White House. The original statue was toppled by protesters on July 4, 2020 and thrown into Baltimore's Inner Harbor after anger boiled over following the death of George Floyd.
- The statue was installed in March 2026.
The players
President Trump
The current President of the United States who has endorsed a traditional view of Christopher Columbus as a heroic explorer.
Will Hemsley
A sculptor based in Centreville, Maryland who created the replica Columbus statue.
Italian American Organizations United
The organization that owns the Columbus statue and agreed to loan it to the federal government for placement near the White House.
What they’re saying
“We are delighted the statue has found a place where it can peacefully shine and be protected.”
— John Pica, President, Italian American Organizations United
The takeaway
The installation of the Columbus statue near the White House reflects the ongoing debate over how to view the legacy of this historical figure, with the Trump administration taking a traditional stance in honoring him as a pioneering explorer, while others see him as a symbol of Western colonization and the exploitation of native peoples.
