While millions of Americans honor Christopher Columbus for his role in discovering the Americas, Vice President Kamala Harris has gone viral for previously criticizing the legacy of his discovery, which ultimately paved the way for the founding of the United States.
In a speech from Columbus Day 2021, instead of honoring Columbus and acknowledging his accomplishment, Harris pointed out that it was “Indigenous Peoples Day.” She also decided to speak “the truth” about the country’s founding and bashed on European explorers.
“Those explorers ushered in a wave of devastation, violence, stealing land, and widespread disease,” said Harris at the time. “We must not shy away from this shameful past.”
“And we must shed light on it and do everything we can to address the impact of the past on Native American communities today.”
Harris’ comments caused massive criticism from Americans on X, with many pointing out her disrespect towards the country she is looking to lead.
“Believe Kamala when she says she hates America,” wrote conservative influencer Paul A. Szypula.
X account Trump War Room wrote, “Radical left Marxist Kamala Harris thinks that this holiday celebrating the discovery of the Americas and the birth of western civilization is a bad thing.”
“Just like Kamala bringing in millions of illegal immigrants and having them take over the country through violence, looting, taking over apartment complexes, etc?” one X user commented.
Another user wrote, “Now you want to tell me true Americans want to vote for such…”
Her 2021 remarks were not the only time Harris bashed Columbus’ legacy. In a statement, the Trump campaign called out her previous comments about doing away with Columbus Day in exchange for “Indigenous Peoples Day.”
“Kamala Harris wants to get rid of this holiday honoring the hero that discovered a new world,” Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote. “In 2019, Kamala said she’d support renaming Columbus Day and ‘a review of Harris’ X account for her vice presidency shows she has exclusively celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day over Columbus Day each year she has been in the office.’”
She also called Harris a “stereotypical leftist” who wants to erase Columbus’ legacy.
“Kamala Harris is your stereotypical leftist,” she continued. “Not only does she want to raise taxes and defund the police — she also wants to cancel American traditions like Columbus Day. President Trump will make sure Christopher Columbus’ great legacy is honored and protect this holiday from radical leftists who want to erase our nation’s history like Kamala Harris.”
The moment in question occurred in 2019 while Harris spoke with New Hampshire voters, per Fox News. When asked if she would support remaining Columbus Day to “Indigenous People Day,” she replied, “Count me in on support.”
Harris is not the only one under fire for her previous remarks about Columbus Day. Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has also been called out by social media for his comments about a statue of Columbus being torn down in 2020.
