President Trump has once again jumped into the ongoing culture war, this time targeting the Smithsonian in Washington. As usual, his approach risks major backlash, even if it resonates with his supporters.
In a recent social media outburst, Trump criticized the museum for being “out of control,” claiming that its exhibit was excessively focused on how terrible slavery was. His comments stirred up controversy, suggesting that slavery wasn’t as bad as commonly believed—or maybe he just worded it poorly.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who might run for president in 2028, has taken a firm stance against Trump lately. He referred to the president’s remarks as an attempt to “erase slavery from American history.”
Representative Jim McGovern from Massachusetts also condemned Trump’s statements, saying that if he thinks slavery is bad, he clearly needs to spend more time at the museum himself.
Media figures have been vocal too. CNN anchor Abby Phillip remarked that “objectively, slavery is certainly bad. It’s evil,” underscoring that understanding America’s history requires grappling with the reality of slavery.
It would be too optimistic to think this latest Trump controversy could change his political trajectory. He’s been making inflammatory remarks since launching his first campaign a decade ago, and though he has a loyal base, his comments often stir discontent on some of the most sensitive topics in American society.
Despite support from his followers, current polls show he’s not doing too well. A recent IPSOS/Reuters survey found Trump trailing by 14 points, with 54% disapproving of his job performance and only 40% approving. Another poll from Economist/YouGov indicated an even more alarming negative rating of 16 points.
When it comes to personal perceptions, opinions are also quite low. A recent poll revealed only 33% of respondents said they liked Trump as a person, while 48% expressed dislike.
That said, there is a clear demand for what Trump represents, especially among culturally conservative Americans feeling sidelined by liberal shifts over the years. His supporters often decry what they see as a lack of patriotism and an overemphasis on social justice within institutions.
The exact purpose of his critiques, including those of major universities, is hard to pinpoint. While his comments have drawn media attention, it’s unclear whether they have significantly outraged the public. Many elite schools have tried to find some middle ground with Trump.
With Trump, it’s tricky to separate the rhetoric about culture wars from actual policy. Often, the two are deeply intertwined in his approach. His discussions about issues like immigration are particularly striking, as he frequently uses charged language, claiming that America is facing an “invasion.”
During last year’s campaign, immigration was a key focus for Trump, indicating that his emotive language on this issue strikes a chord with many, regardless of how it might distress others.
Recently, he has employed similarly charged rhetoric to justify the deployment of federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., claiming that the local Democratic government has essentially stopped dealing with crime, despite crime rates declining.
Trump asserted that sending in federal forces would “free” D.C. from “crime, savage, filth, scum.” However, most residents in the district have disagreed with him, as indicated by a survey that found 79% opposed the presence of federal police and the deployment of security forces.
It’s debatable whether Trump’s speeches and actions in Washington aim to resonate with its liberal populace or simply serve to cast the city in a negative light to amplify support among his core base. Ultimately, Trump shows no sign of stepping back from the cultural battles he has embraced for so long. He maintains that this confrontational style has been part of his successful journey so far.
