President Donald Trump is taking steps toward installing a statue of Christopher Columbus near the White House. The statue, previously tossed into Baltimore's harbor during protests, is owned by the Italian American Organizations United. The group signed an agreement Wednesday to loan it to the federal government. Maryland lobbyist John Pica confirmed the plan, noting the statue's restoration. Trump’s spokesman declined to comment on plans for the statue but called Columbus a hero. The statue is a replicae of one that was toppled in 2020 amid protests against racism and pulled from Baltimore's harbor. Trump dismisses criticism of Columbus, aiming to reshape historical narratives as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
