Edith Hejberg
Trump claimed that exhibitions in Smithsonian museums highlight “how horrible our country is, how bad slavery was, and how unfulfilled the oppressed were.”
President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on the Smithsonian Institution, accusing its museums of overemphasizing negative aspects of American history, particularly slavery.
Speaking on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL,” criticizing what he called a lack of focus on national pride and success.
“Too Much Focus on How Bad Slavery Was,” Says Trump
Trump claimed that exhibitions in Smithsonian museums highlight “how horrible our country is, how bad slavery was, and how unfulfilled the oppressed were.”
He argued that these portrayals drown out the positive achievements in American history and fail to inspire pride or optimism.
Legal Action Underway to Review Museum Content
Trump announced he has instructed his legal team to scrutinize the Smithsonian’s exhibits.
He compared this to similar efforts targeting colleges and universities, where, he claims, “enormous progress has been made” in reversing what he sees as ideological bias.
250th Anniversary Spurs Content Review
The move follows a recent letter from the administration to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, stating that a full review of exhibitions, educational materials, and operations will take place ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Executive Order Demands Removal of “Divisive” Content
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order mandating the elimination of “inappropriate, divisive, or un-American ideology” from federal institutions, including museums.
The directive sets a clear framework for what the administration considers acceptable historical narratives.
Focus Shifts Toward “Unity and Progress”
In its letter, the Trump administration urged that future exhibits should highlight “unity, progress, and enduring values.”
Officials are pushing for programming that presents a more positive, cohesive vision of American history.
Museums Given 120 Days to Comply
The Smithsonian has been given a 120-day deadline to revise exhibits and remove language deemed ideologically motivated.
The administration insists that all revised content must be “historically accurate” and “constructive.”
Critics Call Move an Attack on Historical Truth
While Trump supporters applaud the initiative, critics argue it amounts to censorship of America’s complex past.
Historians warn that sanitizing slavery or oppression risks distorting the truth and undermining education.
Trump’s Culture War Broadens Scope
This latest effort marks a widening of Trump’s cultural battle beyond schools and universities.
Museums, long seen as apolitical spaces of learning, are now being pulled into a political tug-of-war over how America’s story is told.
Smithsonian Yet to Publicly Respond
As of now, the Smithsonian Institution has not issued a public statement addressing the administration’s demands or the timeline for potential changes.
Observers expect legal and public backlash in the coming months.
