Trump moves to install Columbus statue torn down by BLM rioters on White House grounds: report

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is planning to install a rebuilt statue of Christopher Columbus that was torn down during the summer of 2020 and dumped into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, according to a report. The statue was later recovered, restored, and preserved by a group of Italian American businessmen and political allies.

While the White House has not confirmed the timeline or exact placement of the statue, officials made clear where the president stands on the issue.

“In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement to the Washington Post. “And he will continue to be honored as such by President Trump.”

Trump planning to install Christopher Columbus statue outside The White House.

The statue will be a reconstruction of the Columbus statue from Baltimore that was torn down by BLM protesters and thrown into the harbor in 2020.

Statue was recovered and restored after being dumped in harbor

The statue was originally unveiled in 1984 during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. It was taken down during the summer of 2020 and thrown into Baltimore’s harbor before eventually being recovered.

Businessman Bill Martin helped retrieve the remains of the sculpture and organized efforts to rebuild it. He said more than $100,000 was spent on the recovery and restoration process.

“It’s not about Columbus ‘discovering America,’” Martin said. “It’s about the Italian immigrants who came here and looked to Columbus as a hero.”

Martin said the effort was meant to honor the Italian American community and what Columbus represents to them, rather than focus on broader historical debates surrounding the explorer.

After learning about the restoration, officials from Trump’s administration reportedly contacted those involved in the project about obtaining the statue.

Trump has long defended Columbus statues

Trump frequently criticized the removal of Columbus statues during his first term as president, particularly amid the wave of protests in 2020. He argued that tearing down monuments erased history and unfairly targeted figures important to many Americans.

Supporters of the restoration effort say placing the statue on White House grounds sends a clear message.

“It is such an honor for the Italian American community,” said Nino Mangione, a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates who was involved in the recovery.

“This proves that gangs, thugs, and people of that ilk don’t control things by mob rule,” Mangione said. “In America the people rule and our voices are heard."

White House plans remain under wraps

While Trump’s intent to install the statue has been shared by sources familiar with the plan, details about its placement, timing, and any public unveiling have not been disclosed.

The statue’s planned installation is expected to draw attention due to the continued controversy surrounding Columbus monuments and their removal in recent years.