President Trump disavows Indigenous Peoples Day
Posted: Monday, October 19, 2020
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President Donald Trump disavowed Indigenous Peoples Day during a campaign rally in Muskegon, Michigan, on October 17, 2020.
In remarks to supporters, Trump accused Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden of "attacking" a European colonizer who never set foot in the United States. He also chastised his rival for "refusing" to recognize a holiday named after the explorer.
"And he wants to change the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, who likes that idea? Who likes it?" Trump said as the crowd could be heard booing.
"What the heck are you saying? That's politically incorrect," Trump said during the rally, held on Odawa, Ojibwe and Potatawomi territory in Muskegon, whose name comes from the Odawa, or Ottawa, language.
"So he wants to change it to Indigenous Peoples Day. Not as long as I’m president, let me just tell you that, okay?" Trump said.
Biden issued a statement in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day last Monday, October 12. His campaign also hosted a virtual celebration featuring tribal leaders, the two Native women who served in Congress and Native musicians.
“As president, I’ll make tribal sovereignty and upholding our federal trust and treaty responsibilities to tribal nations the cornerstone of federal Indian policy,” Biden said during the virtual event.