The Trump campaign accused Kamala Harris of wanting to "cancel American traditions." They pointed to her 2019 support for renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day.
"Kamala Harris is a typical leftist," said Trump campaign's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, to Fox News. "She wants to raise taxes, defund the police, and cancel Columbus Day."
Leavitt emphasized that President Trump would protect Columbus Day from "radical leftists" like Harris who want to change history.
The comments stem from Harris' 2019 visit to New Hampshire, where she spoke about her support for renaming the holiday.
"Count me in," Harris told a voter, backing the idea to rename Columbus Day.
She also mentioned her work on federal anti-lynching legislation during that exchange.
Harris acknowledged America's difficult history with slavery, Jim Crow laws, and institutional racism. She stressed the need to be honest about these issues.
Harris further highlighted the work still needed for indigenous people and reiterated her support for renaming the holiday.
Columbus Day, a federal holiday, celebrates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. This year, it will be observed on Monday.
In recent years, activists have opposed Columbus Day, saying it represents colonialism and genocide. They prefer celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day and have removed statues of Columbus, especially during the 2020 riots.
President Biden formally recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021, although states vary in how they observe the day.