Trump Places Statue of Christopher Columbus Near White House

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

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 is the latest move in the ongoing debate over how to commemorate 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. It was one of many statues of Columbus that were vandalized around the same time. 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 has been placed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House in 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The placement of the Christopher Columbus statue near the White House is likely to reignite the ongoing debate over how to commemorate the Italian explorer, with supporters praising the move and critics condemning it.