President Donald Trump’s recent directive targeting the Smithsonian Institution has sparked substantial controversy, with accusations leveled against him for neglecting the complex realities of American history. Trump’s order suggests that the Smithsonian fails to correctly reflect the country’s foundations, emphasizing the founding principle that “all men are created equal.” However, it does not address that the Founding Fathers embedded slavery in the U.S. Constitution, counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for census purposes.
The executive order, entitled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” has been met with fierce criticism from civil rights advocates, historians, and Black political leaders. They argue this move is part of a larger effort by the administration to minimize the impact of race, racism, and the contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s history. Historian Clarissa Myrick-Harris from Morehouse College expressed concern that the administration is attempting to erase the history of slavery, segregation, and racial violence against Black communities from the national narrative.
Trump’s order calls out the National Museum of African American History and Culture and accuses the Smithsonian of trying to rewrite national history in a divisive and race-centered manner. The directive empowers Vice President JD Vance to evaluate programs and presentations, ensuring that they do not degrade perceived shared American values or create racial divisions.
Critics argue that Trump’s efforts are part of an ongoing campaign to downplay the struggles and achievements of Black Americans and to ignore the legal, political, and social challenges they have faced. The approach has been described by race historian Ibram X. Kendi as a “literal attack on Black America.” The Congressional Black Caucus Chair, Yvette Clarke, criticized the attempt to alter America’s historical narrative to racist ends, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of the nation’s history.
The African American museum, a vital part of the Smithsonian’s network, opened in 2016 and presents a comprehensive history of the struggles and successes of Black Americans. Ben Jealous, former NAACP President, stressed that such institutions are essential for producing an accurate historical record that includes minority perspectives often overlooked in traditional narratives. Ironically, Trump previously praised the museum as a national asset during a 2017 visit.
Since taking office, Trump has targeted “woke” culture, diversity, and inclusion efforts across various sectors, accusing his opponents of distorting historical narratives and fostering division. His administration has aggressively moved to dismantle diversity initiatives in the federal government, scrutinizing educational programs and ousting leaders who promote racial diversity.
The current climate has raised apprehensions about the future of institutions dedicated to preserving Black history. Concerns have been voiced about potentially undermining these centers, many of which already struggle with limited funding, thereby restricting the range of narratives available to the public and reinforcing politically skewed histories.