The U.S. President, Donald Trump, has expressed his intention to review the content of the national museums in a similar manner as universities. He believes that these museums focus too much on discussing negative aspects of American history, such as slavery. They will be reviewed to ensure they align with the principles of “Americanism,” according to Trump.
Trump has instructed his lawyers to thoroughly examine the exhibits in several of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums and galleries. He aims to initiate the same process that has been applied to universities, where progress has been made. He stated that the country cannot be “WOKE” because “WOKE” equals “BROKE.” The Organisation of American Historians (OAH) has expressed concern over this request, claiming that the President does not have the authority to impose such a review. The Smithsonian operates independently of the government, although it receives its budget from Congress.
The review was ordered in advance of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, a milestone that will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Chattel slavery was not abolished nationwide until 1865, with some exceptions.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened in 2016, is one of the museums under review. The museum provides information on the African American experience through exhibits. PEN America, a freedom of expression organization, has expressed its worry over the Trump administration’s sweeping review of Smithsonian exhibits, stating that it is a betrayal of democratic traditions and an effort to strip truth from national institutions. The Museum’s website can be viewed here.
Meanwhile, Trump has made threats to cut federal funding for U.S. educational institutions that support pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, implement transgend
R aspects, and promote certain climate change and diversity initiatives.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/20/trump-says-smithsonian-museums-only-cover-how-bad-slavery-was-in-us?traffic_source=rss
