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Donald Trump weighed into the ongoing controversy over Columbus Day on Wednesday, slamming some who have eschewed the holiday's namesake.

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President Trump says his meeting with the parents of a British teen killed in a traffic accident involving an American diplomat's wife was "beautiful." (Oct. 16) AP

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump, who made his support for the "Merry Christmas" greeting a part ofhis campaign,weighed into the ongoing controversy over Columbus Day on Wednesday, slamming some who have eschewed the holiday's namesake.

"To me it will always be called Columbus Day," Trump said during a press conference at the White House with Italian PresidentSergio Mattarella.

"Some people don't like that," he said. "I do."

For many Americans, the second Monday in October is a celebration of Italian heritage andChristopher Columbus'1492 voyage to the Americas. But agrowing number of cities, states and universitiesare abandoning shipand replacing Columbus Daywith Indigenous Peoples Day, also known as Native Americans Day.

At least eight states, 10 universitiesand more than 130 cities across 34states now observe Indigenous Peoples Dayas an alternative to the federally recognized Columbus Day, which they say glorifies the mistreatment and colonization of Native Americans.

Mattarella also weighed in Columbus.

"It seems to me that he did a good job back then,"Mattarella said.

Contributing:Grace Hauck

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'To me it will always be Columbus Day.' Trump dismisses criticism of Christopher Columbus - USA TODAY