Mr. President...
You have shown strong support for honoring Columbus Day in a way that resonates deeply with Italian Americans nationwide. In the bold spirit of New York, you emphatically proclaimed, on April 27, “I’m bringing back Columbus Day from the ashes.”
Your impassioned support for a holiday cherished by all Italian Americans is forever valued by our community.
Yet, Mr. President, there is one gesture still absent in your approach — one that carries symbolic weight and tangible goodwill: a White House reception for Italian Americans to celebrate Columbus Day.
Such a reception is more than ceremony. It is a message — that Italian Americans are seen, valued, and honored in the halls of power.
Two years ago, the White House under President Biden and First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, began, what we all hoped was the beginning of a treasured tradition—an annual reception to celebrate Columbus Day and the heritage of Italian Americans. Such a gathering fostered a connection between government and a community whose roots run deep in this nation.
On behalf of all Italian Americans, I respectfully ask, Mr. President, that you continue this valued White House tradition.
Your hosting a White House reception will reinforce gratitude — A formal gathering to acknowledge the contributions of Italian Americans across generations: in business, the arts, public service, industry, faith, and education.
Such a gathering will energize civic participation — It will strengthen ties, build friendships, and nurture future engagements.
The administration should respond to recent requests by Judge Basil Russo, president of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations. He speaks for many leaders of the Italian American community when he asks to continue the Columbus Day reception at the White House.
Mr. President, your Columbus Day proclamations are valued by us because you do not share this holiday with Indigenous Peoples Day. You rightly proclaim the second Monday in October—only for Columbus, and Italian Americans are most grateful to you for this.
While proclamations are powerful, they are written words. A reception is a living moment of respect and inclusion.
Mr. President, a gathering of Italian Americans at the White House will have political benefits, in time for the coming election. A reception at the White House will bolster Italian American support for your preferred candidates — In states and districts where Italian Americans are a meaningful presence such as in New Jersey and New York City — where there are close races for governor and mayor. The energetic goodwill generated by your gesture can reinforce your base and deepen trust.
Therefore, I urge your administration to revive the tradition of a Columbus Day reception at the White House. Extend an invitation to Italian American leaders, our national organizations, youth groups, veteran societies, local clubs, and the Italian American media and press. Let Columbus Day be more than a proclamation — let it be a gathering, a celebration, a moment when our community is welcomed into the People’s House.
We offer this not out of entitlement, but out of pride — pride in our heritage, pride in our service to America, and pride in being part of the greatest country in the world. This modest, meaningful gesture will speak loudly — to all Italian Americans, to undecided voters who respect tradition, and to the broader nation watching.
Thank you for considering this gesture of inclusion and respect.
Editor’s Note: The first photo was taken of President Trump while meeting with Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella. The photos display the White House Italian American receptions begun by President Biden and First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. The web site for the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations: https://copomiao.org
The White House web site is https://www.whitehouse.gov
This article was published on 9/28/25
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