Trump proclaims Columbus Day, without Obama’s qualms

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is proclaiming Monday as Columbus Day — without any of his predecessor’s qualms.

The president’s proclamation Friday directs the U.S. to celebrate his discovery of the Americas, noting “the permanent arrival of Europeans … was a transformative event that undeniably and fundamentally changed the course of human history and set the stage for the development of our great Nation.”

Trump’s proclamation only praises Columbus, Spain and the explorer’s native Italy.

It contrasts with President Barack Obama’s document almost exactly a year earlier. Obama’s proclamation acknowledged Columbus’ spirit of exploration. But he said the nation should “also acknowledge the pain and suffering reflected in the stories of Native Americans who had long resided on this land prior to the arrival of European newcomers.”