Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota found himself in hot water Monday after posting a tribute to Native American Day on X.

As reported by The Daily Caller, Thune’s post celebrated the heritage of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people, aligning with South Dakota’s recognition of Native American Day. His words, while well-intentioned, ignored the federal holiday honoring Christopher Columbus, prompting sharp rebukes across social media platforms.

Thune wrote, “Today we celebrate Native American Day. I’m proud to join South Dakotans in honoring the heritage and contributions of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people.” While the sentiment may resonate with some, it sidesteps the broader cultural significance of Columbus Day for many Americans who see it as a cornerstone of historical identity.

Harsh Criticism Floods Thune’s Feed

The backlash on X was swift and unrelenting, with users slamming Thune for what they saw as a dismissal of a cherished holiday. Comments ranged from pointed to outright hostile, reflecting a deep frustration with the senator’s choice of words.

One prominent critic, Raheem Kassam, didn’t hold back, posting, “ITS COLUMBUS DAY AND JOHN THUNE IS A BITCH.” Such raw language underscores how deeply some feel about preserving traditional observances over what they perceive as pandering to progressive sensibilities.

Another user piled on, stating, “You don’t deserve to govern here. It’s Columbus Day retard. If you don’t even know our holidays you don’t belong in office.” While the tone is regrettable, it highlights a broader sentiment that elected officials should prioritize widely recognized federal holidays over state-specific alternatives.

Thune’s History and State Tradition

Thune’s decision wasn’t without precedent, as South Dakota has officially recognized Native American Day for 35 years. A spokesperson for the senator noted to The Daily Caller that he has acknowledged this day annually, reflecting a consistent stance.

Back in 2019, Thune reiterated his support for honoring the role of Native American tribes in the state’s history. Yet, for many critics, this explanation falls flat when weighed against the national significance of Columbus Day.

Some X users also dredged up Thune’s past call for Donald Trump to withdraw from the 2016 presidential race, further fueling their distrust. This old wound, combined with the current controversy, paints a picture of a politician struggling to balance local and national loyalties.

Columbus Day’s Cultural Weight

Columbus Day remains a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over how we commemorate history. For many, especially those of Italian descent, it’s a celebration of exploration and cultural heritage, not a symbol of oppression as some narratives suggest.

Trump himself has weighed in, vowing on Truth Social to revive the holiday’s prominence, stating, “I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes. The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much.” His words tap into a frustration with efforts to erase or rewrite historical touchstones under the guise of sensitivity.

This clash of values isn’t just about a day on the calendar; it’s about whose history gets priority. Thune’s post, while honoring a valid state tradition, stepped on a cultural landmine that’s far from resolved.

A Missed Opportunity for Unity

In the end, Thune’s tribute to Native American Day, though rooted in South Dakota’s practice, missed the mark for a wide swath of his audience. A simple acknowledgment of both observances might have quelled the storm, but instead, the senator’s silence on Columbus Day left a void filled with anger.

The memes and biting remarks under his post, still undeleted as of now, show no sign of letting up. It’s a stark reminder that in an era of heightened cultural tensions, even a well-meaning gesture can ignite fierce debate.

Thune now faces the challenge of navigating this divide without alienating either side. Whether he can bridge the gap between honoring local heritage and respecting national traditions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: ignoring half the story won’t cut it.