President Trump Hosts a Columbus Day Celebration

President Trump hosts a Columbus Day celebration at the White House with Italian American leaders and guests. Presidential tenor Christopher Macchio opens the event with the national anthem. The President praises Macchio and recalls his friendship with Luciano Pavarotti, then pays tribute to Christopher Columbus and to the contributions of Italian Americans. He announces that a statue of Columbus will be placed at the White House.

He also talks about the White House renovations, including the exterior restoration and the new ballroom with its Italian marble, and recognizes members of his administration in the room. He discusses federal penalties for damaging monuments, public safety in Washington, D.C., and the restoration of monuments, fountains and statues in the capital.

The President also covers the economy, inflation, immigration and foreign policy. He closes by honoring Italian American icons such as Joe DiMaggio and Antonin Scalia.