Trump Administration Critiques Smithsonian Exhibits

On Thursday, the White House released a list addressing concerns about 20 Smithsonian exhibits. The administration argues that these displays present historical events through a biased lens, prioritizing “ideological” narratives over factual evidence.

Among the criticized exhibits is one at the American Latinos Museum that portrays the United States as “stolen land,” framing American history in the context of “colonization.”

Furthermore, the American History Museum faced scrutiny for depicting Benjamin Franklin as a slave owner, raising questions about how his scientific contributions were contingent upon the socio-economic structures of his time.

Another point of contention includes artwork where immigrants view July 4th fireworks through an opening in the US-Mexico border wall, which has drawn criticism from the administration.

There’s also a notable focus on the support for the transgender community that has come under fire.

Specifically, the Trump administration identified the “LGBTQ+ History” exhibit as problematic and expressed discontent with another display celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, especially concerning trans athletes. In February, Trump had signed an executive order prohibiting trans individuals from competing in women’s sports.

Following Trump’s comments about the Historical Museum’s portrayal of slavery and its impact on Black Americans, the administration is now highlighting over a dozen exhibits and artworks that they believe need reevaluation.

“The Smithsonian is out of control,” he stated. “Everything we discuss paints a grim picture of our country, focusing on slavery’s horrors and ignoring narratives of success and potential.”

He added, “We’re not going to allow this. I’ve instructed my lawyers to review the museum setup, aiming to replicate efforts seen in certain universities that have seen significant progress.” His remarks come just eight years after he celebrated the opening of the National Museum of African American History during his first term.

Critics, including Black historians and community leaders, have challenged Trump’s views on slavery’s representation in museums. Dr. Tony Draper, publisher of the Afro-American newspaper, emphasized the importance of remembering historical atrocities and remarked that any attempt to downplay such events is a form of historical erasure. He noted, “History isn’t meant to be comforting; it’s meant to be confronted for us to learn and advance.”

Some items on the White House list have been labeled as “anti-American propaganda” by various commentators, including a recent critique from the Federalist.

Previously, the Conservative Heritage Foundation labeled the Latino exhibition at the Smithsonian as a “disgrace” to American history.

The administration, rather than raising alarms, stated that it will collaborate with the Smithsonian to review and “align” eight museums with the president’s historical perspective.

The institutions under review include the US History Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, American Indian National Museum, National Aeronautics and Space Museum, Smithsonian American Museum of Art, National Portrait Gallery, Hirschhorn Museum, and the Sculpture Garden.