Spanish scientists argue that Christopher Columbus, traditionally thought to be from Genoa, Italy, was actually a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. Latin American countries engage in heated debates over Columbus' historical legacy, with Argentina's President Javier Milei claiming that Columbus brought civilization to the Americas. Many Latin American leaders now take a critical view of Columbus, acknowledging the abuses committed during the conquest and colonial experience. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum rejects the idea that Europeans brought civilization, emphasizing the greatness of Mexico's original peoples. The holiday commemorating Columbus has different names across Latin America and the United States, and it remains a national holiday in the US.