By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian and his efforts to remove “woke” narratives from museums mirror the Nazi’s suppression of modern art and dissenting voices. Trump’s administration initiated a review of Smithsonian institutions, aiming to promote “American exceptionalism” and eliminate “divisive” historical interpretations. This approach echoes the Nazi’s campaign against “degenerate art” and their attempts to control cultural institutions. The author raises concerns about the potential impact on the Smithsonian, drawing parallels to the choices made by museum officials during the Nazi era and the importance of resisting such pressures.
Read the original article here
Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian come straight from the Nazi playbook. The parallels, while not an exact replica, are chillingly similar.
Trump’s actions, and those of his administration, echo the strategies employed by the Nazis. A key tactic was controlling the narrative, and one way to achieve this is by influencing the arts and institutions that shape public perception. Attacking the Smithsonian, an institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing American history and culture, fits this mold perfectly. It’s about attempting to control what people see, what they learn, and ultimately, what they believe. This is, fundamentally, an attempt to rewrite history in his image, much like historical revisionism undertaken by authoritarian regimes. It’s similar to book burning, and suppressing what others are exposed to, and what opinions they have.
The comparison to Nazi tactics is not about minimizing the horrors of the Holocaust, but about recognizing the insidious patterns of authoritarianism. The Nazis, like other totalitarian regimes, understood the power of controlling cultural institutions. They purged art they deemed “degenerate,” promoted propaganda through carefully curated exhibitions, and sought to create a monolithic cultural identity that aligned with their political goals. Trump’s rhetoric and actions reflect the same core strategies. He is doing something very similar to Napoleon I when he invaded Italy. He, too, was concerned about what others thought.
The criticisms leveled against Trump – his focus on appearances, his penchant for grand gestures, and his willingness to employ divisive rhetoric – are all tactics used to manipulate public opinion and consolidate power. He’s building his own persona. It’s about constructing an image of strength and unwavering conviction, even if it means distorting the truth or demonizing those who disagree. This approach, coupled with his attacks on institutions like the Smithsonian, is designed to create an environment where dissent is discouraged and blind loyalty is rewarded.
It is not that we are saying what is happening now is precisely the same as the final atrocities perpetrated by the Germans in WWII. But the Nazis started somewhere, and to not recognize the similarities when we need to, is a dangerous mistake. Any recognition of the similarities between now and then is instantly deemed insulting to the victims of WWII, and shows that we learned nothing from the rise of fascism. Recognizing the seeds of authoritarianism, wherever they appear, is essential to protecting democracy. Trump appears to be using authoritarianism in a right wing manner.
Trump is not a perfect copy of Hitler. He’s not even a perfect authoritarian. But the playbook, the strategies for manipulating public opinion, controlling cultural institutions, and undermining democratic norms, are eerily familiar. This is the danger.
This is about recognizing the patterns, the dangers, and the need to be vigilant against the erosion of democratic values. It’s about learning from history and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. This is not hyperbole; it’s a sober assessment of the threats to American democracy. The comparisons are a means of warning.