President Donald Trump has once again directed sharp criticism toward the Smithsonian Institution, accusing it of focusing too much on slavery and painting a negative picture of American history. In his remarks, Trump said the museums spend too much time on “how bad slavery was” rather than celebrating American progress, innovation, and unity.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the Smithsonian is “out of control” and added, “Nothing about success, nothing about brightness, nothing about the future.” The statement quickly sparked reactions from historians, civil rights groups, and cultural leaders, reigniting the debate over how America should present its history to the public.
The Executive Order and Smithsonian Review
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The order directed a sweeping review of the Smithsonian Institution to remove what the administration describes as “improper ideology.”
Vice President J.D. Vance, who sits on the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, was tasked with overseeing the process. A White House letter sent in August demanded a full review of museum exhibits, educational programs, and digital platforms to ensure they align with what the administration calls a more optimistic view of America’s story.
The review is expected to cover eight of the Smithsonian’s most visited museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of the American Indian. Other major institutions such as the Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum are also part of the review.
Museums have been given 120 days to submit plans for how their content might be revised. This process includes interviews with curators and evaluations of text, images, and historical narratives presented to the public.
Trump’s Main Complaint
At the center of Trump’s criticism is what he describes as a “woke Smithsonian slavery focus.” He argues that exhibits overemphasize the brutality of slavery while underplaying the nation’s successes, innovations, and overall achievements.
The former president has long spoken against what he calls “woke culture” in schools, universities, and cultural institutions. According to Trump, museums should inspire pride and unity, not shame. He argues that by constantly highlighting injustices, institutions create division instead of celebrating progress.
For his supporters, Trump’s remarks reflect a broader belief that American history should highlight patriotism and accomplishment. For his critics, however, his comments amount to whitewashing history and ignoring the struggles that have shaped the nation.
Pushback from Historians and Civil Rights Groups
Historians, educators, and civil rights advocates strongly oppose Trump’s directives. The Organization of American Historians called the review “unprecedented” and warned that it risks turning museums into propaganda tools. They argue that slavery is a defining part of American history, and acknowledging its brutality is essential for honest reflection and learning.
Civil rights groups such as Black Lives Matter accused the president of trying to erase history. They argue that minimizing slavery undermines ongoing struggles against racial inequality and silences the voices of those who fought for freedom and justice.
On television, commentators like CNN host Abby Phillip criticized Trump’s approach, noting that confronting the darker parts of history does not weaken America but strengthens its ability to learn and grow. Scholars such as Leah Wright Rigueur added that museums must present history in its full complexity, including both triumphs and tragedies.
Smithsonian’s Position
The Smithsonian has not directly responded to Trump’s latest remarks. However, in past statements, its leadership emphasized a commitment to academic rigor and historical accuracy. Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American to lead the Institution, has consistently stated that the Smithsonian’s role is to present history truthfully, even when it is uncomfortable.
In June, some references that had been temporarily removed, including content about Trump’s impeachments, were reinstated. Museum officials explained that curators, not politicians, should determine what belongs in exhibits. This decision highlighted the ongoing tension between institutional independence and political pressure.
The Larger Cultural Battle
Trump’s criticism of the Smithsonian is not an isolated issue but part of a broader cultural debate over how history should be told. Across the United States, controversies have emerged over school curricula, book bans, and the teaching of race and gender in classrooms. The Smithsonian dispute is one of the highest-profile examples of these cultural battles reaching national institutions.
The administration argues that museums should present a narrative that unites Americans ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Supporters believe a focus on national pride is essential for building confidence and inspiring future generations. Opponents warn that sanitizing history damages the nation’s integrity and risks erasing the stories of marginalized communities.
Why the Focus on Slavery Matters
For many historians, slavery is not just one chapter in the American story but a foundational element. The wealth and growth of the early United States were tied directly to enslaved labor. Ignoring or minimizing that fact, they argue, leaves Americans with an incomplete and misleading understanding of their past.
At the same time, exhibits about slavery are not only about suffering. They also highlight resilience, resistance, and the fight for freedom. Stories of African American leaders, abolitionists, and civil rights activists demonstrate the country’s ability to overcome injustice. Removing or downplaying these narratives would risk silencing the very examples of courage that Trump says should be celebrated.
Balancing Pride and Truth
The heart of the debate is how to balance pride in national achievements with honesty about painful realities. For Trump and his allies, too much focus on slavery creates division and negativity. For historians and activists, confronting the legacy of slavery is necessary for reconciliation and progress.
Museums like the Smithsonian serve as educational cornerstones. Their responsibility is not only to inspire but also to inform. If they prioritize patriotism at the expense of truth, critics argue, they risk failing the very mission of educating the public.
What Comes Next
The Smithsonian review is expected to move quickly, with initial findings due later this year. Curators and museum directors are preparing to defend their exhibits and highlight the importance of academic freedom. Civil rights groups are also planning campaigns to resist changes they view as censorship.
As the 250th anniversary of the nation approaches, the debate over how America tells its story will only intensify. The Smithsonian, as the country’s most prestigious museum network, sits at the center of this struggle. The outcome of this review will likely set a precedent for how history is presented in schools, public spaces, and cultural institutions nationwide.
Conclusion
The controversy over what Trump calls the “woke Smithsonian slavery focus” is more than a political fight; it reflects a deeper question about America’s identity. Should history highlight only triumphs, or must it also confront the injustices that shaped the nation?
For many, the answer is clear: history must be told in full, even when it is uncomfortable. Only by acknowledging both the pain and the progress can Americans truly understand their past and chart a better future. Whether the Smithsonian will be allowed to maintain that mission, or forced to shift its narrative, remains to be seen.
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