The Trump administration is moving towards installing a Christopher Columbus statue on White House grounds, seeking to recognize the late Italian explorer for his contributions to U.S. history.
White House officials signed a loan agreement with the Italian American Organizations United on Wednesday to secure a reconstructed statue of Columbus thrown into the Baltimore Harbor during protests sparked by racial tension in 2020, The Associated Press reported.
Two sources also told the Washington Post that the statue would be placed on the south side of the White House, near E Street and north of the Ellipse.
The White House declined to confirm the plan in a statement to The Hill, instead touting President Trump’s infatuation with Columbus.
“In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero. And he will continue to be honored as such by President Trump,” White House spokesperson David Ingle said.
