US President Trump defended the legacy of the Genoese navigator Christopher Columbus during a ceremony at the White House, vowing his historical significance would not be erased by critics. He publicly reaffirmed the importance of Columbus’s role in history, amidst ongoing debates surrounding the explorer’s controversial legacy. Trump directly linked Columbus to the very founding of the United States, emphasizing a traditional narrative of American history. The President’s statements come as some cities and states reconsider honoring Columbus due to the impact of his voyages on Indigenous populations. This move signals a clear stance against efforts to remove Columbus statues or rename landmarks dedicated to him. The White House ceremony and subsequent statement underscore the administration's commitment to preserving a particular interpretation of American history.