Cabinet spontaneously applauds as Trump signs Columbus Day proclamation: 'We're back, Italians'

"Columbus, obviously, discovered the new world in 1492. He was a great Italian explorer. He sailed his three ships, the Nina, the Pinto and Santa Maria, across the Atlantic Ocean, and landed in what's today the Caribbean. And this is a particularly important holiday for Italian Americans who celebrate the legacy of Christopher Columbus, and the innovation and explorer zeal that he represented," he continued. 

Applause was heard breaking out in the room as Trump added: "In other words, we're calling it Columbus Day."

Trump continued in his remarks Thursday saying, "We're back, Italians," as applause continued.

"That was the press that broke out in applause," Trump quipped of the warm reception to the proclamation. "I've never seen that happen. The press actually broke out in applause. Good. Columbus Day. We're back. Columbus Day. We're back, Italians. We love the Italians."

Activists in recent years, however, have worked to disassociate the day from Columbus - claiming it celebrates colonialism and genocide of indigenous people - in favor of celebrating Native Americans. Activists also have worked to remove Columbus statues from cities, including toppling such statues during the riots of 2020. 

"Those explorers ushered in a wave of devastation for Tribal nations - perpetrating violence, stealing land and spreading disease," she said just one day after Columbus Day 2021. "We must not shy away from this shameful past, and we must shed light on it and do everything we can to address the impact of the past on Native communities today."

Trump also signed another proclamation Thursday honoring Viking explorer Leif Erikson on Oct. 9. Erikson is credited with discovering the coast of Newfoundland in Canada more than 1,000 years ago and is considered the first European to step foot on North America.