Trump critiques "woke" museums in his response to allegations of historical erasure
In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, President Donald Trump has announced plans to review the museums and exhibits at the Smithsonian, America's national museum complex, in preparation for the country's 250th birthday in 2026.
The review, as stated in a letter sent to the Smithsonian on August 12, aims to ensure that these institutions reflect "American exceptionalism," unity, progress, and enduring values, without divisive or partisan narratives. The review is intended to align Smithsonian content with Trump's Executive Order 14253, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," and to restore public confidence in cultural institutions by emphasizing historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of America's heritage.
The review covers a comprehensive internal review of selected Smithsonian museums, including the National Museums of American History, African American History and Culture, Natural History, American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The review includes five focused areas, such as analyzing current and future exhibit content and ensuring museum guidelines reflect the Smithsonian’s original mission.
President Trump has criticized the Smithsonian, claiming that some exhibits focus excessively on negative aspects such as slavery and fail to celebrate American successes and future potential. He has instructed attorneys to conduct this review similarly to processes implemented in colleges and universities, aiming to highlight a more positive narrative about the country’s achievements and outlook.
The initiative has been met with criticism and concern that the Trump administration will use the opportunity for their own agenda and beliefs. However, the White House has not provided specific details about the content of the review or the reasons behind it.
The indy100 has reached out to the White House for comment but has not received a response as of yet.
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[1] White House, "Executive Order on Establishing the 1776 Commission," 17 September 2020, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-establishing-1776-commission/ [2] The Hill, "Trump orders review of Smithsonian museums," 13 August 2021, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/570465-trump-orders-review-of-smithsonian-museums [3] The Washington Post, "Trump orders review of Smithsonian museums," 13 August 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/08/13/trump-orders-review-smithsonian-museums/
- The Trump administration's plan to review the Smithsonian museums, as announced in Executive Order 14253, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," falls under the broader category of policy-and-legislation, reflecting a significant intervention in the country's general-news landscape.
- The ongoing review of selected Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, has stirred controversy in the realm of politics, with critics claiming it could be used for the administration's agenda and beliefs, rather than ensuring historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals.
