Trump Places Statue of Christopher Columbus Near White House

The statue is a replica of one that was tossed into Baltimore's harbor in 2020 during Trump's first term.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:08am

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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 Donald 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 protests against institutional racism.

Why it matters

The placement of the Columbus statue near the White House is the latest move in the ongoing debate over how to recognize the legacy of the Italian explorer, who is seen by some as a symbol of Western colonization and the exploitation of native peoples, while others view him as a pioneering historical figure.

The details

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 new statue, made mostly of marble, was created by sculptor Will Hemsley and is being loaned to the federal government by the Italian American Organizations United.

  • The original statue was toppled by protesters on July 4, 2020.
  • The new statue is being installed on Sunday.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is overseeing the placement of the Christopher Columbus statue near the White House.

Will Hemsley

A sculptor based in Centreville, Maryland who created the new Christopher Columbus statue.

Italian American Organizations United

The organization that owns the new Christopher Columbus statue and has agreed to loan it to the federal government for placement near the White House.

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What they’re saying

“We are delighted the statue has found a place where it can peacefully shine and be protected.”

— John Pica, Maryland lobbyist and president of the Italian American Organizations United

What’s next

The placement of the statue near the White House is likely to reignite the ongoing debate over how to recognize the legacy of Christopher Columbus.

The takeaway

The installation of the Christopher Columbus statue near the White House reflects the continued political polarization over how to interpret the legacy of the Italian explorer, with supporters viewing him as a pioneering historical figure and critics seeing him as a symbol of Western colonization and the exploitation of native peoples.