Trump Targets Smithsonian for Revisions

President Donald Trump is intent on addressing the messages left by the Biden administration and aims to enhance government agencies. A focal point of this initiative is the Smithsonian, where the president suggested in an executive order earlier this year that it operates under “divisive, racially ideologies.”

With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaching next year, Trump envisions the Smithsonian discarding “a customary tale that depicts American and Western values as harmful and oppressive.”

The Smithsonian’s mission, as stated on its website, is to explore the history and heritage of race and racism in the U.S. and beyond. The goal is to promote positive social change and a shared future through various means, like interdisciplinary studies and dialogue.

Interestingly, these themes are not just associated with a single exhibit; they’re woven into the fabric of the Smithsonian, affecting its 21 museums, libraries, and even the National Zoo.

Many Americans might’ve expected the Smithsonian to focus on showcasing the country’s greatest achievements and proud history, like the Wright Brothers’ innovations or the Apollo Moon landing. Instead, the museum appears to emphasize history and reconciliation, which can feel quite different from celebrating national pride.

CNN’s Jennings noted that those criticizing Trump’s review of the Smithsonian were previously supportive of monuments being taken down during 2020.

This shift in focus might surprise some, as the museum’s objective seems to center around contextualizing and responding to race and racism rather than outright celebrating American accomplishments.

The White House has reached out to Smithsonian secretary Ronnie Bunch III to outline a planned review of the museum’s exhibits. The intent here is to align with Trump’s vision of restoring faith in this cultural institution by emphasizing American exceptionalism and removing divisive narratives.

Reactions have been mixed, with critics like Sarawick Sell from the American Historical Society calling the White House’s efforts humiliating for trained historians and curators. There’s a concern about losing reliable, engaging content that tells the complex stories of America’s past.

This portrayal of America as fundamentally flawed, often highlighted by left-leaning intellectuals, paints the country in a negative light. Children are, apparently, learning not to appreciate their nation, but rather to critique it.

It’s hard to ignore the liberal bias seen on university campuses and among historians. For example, Pulitzer Prize-winner John Meacham has previously praised Joe Biden and put a liberal spin on American history.

Additionally, Doris Kearns Goodwin, another Pulitzer winner, has criticized Trump, stating he lacks the temperament for the presidency.

Lonnie Bunch III, a Democrat and the first African-American director of the Smithsonian, seems to fit into this narrative. His response to critiques about past controversial posts from the African American History Museum was simply to note they had been removed.

According to The New York Times, Bunch previously remarked about political leaders wanting to avoid discussions on the history of black Americans, which can lead to a culture of silence. This suggests a complex interaction between politics and historical interpretation.

Interestingly, taxpayer funding for the Smithsonian has increased but has not translated into higher attendance. While the budget reached $1.09 billion last year, visitor numbers remain low compared to earlier years, indicating a disconnect.

Current exhibitions range from bilingual presentations about Latino journalists to showcasing historical artifacts. However, criticisms about the museum’s direction linger still.

It appears Trump’s criticism isn’t unfounded. The Smithsonian has broadened its initiatives, even offering programs abroad, which some may argue dilutes its primary mission.

Trump’s call for a more accurate representation of America as a “shining city on the hill” suggests significant changes are on the horizon for the Smithsonian.