The Smithsonian Institution announced plans to restore information about Donald Trump’s two impeachments to the National Museum of American History exhibit in the coming weeks. This follows the removal of a placard detailing Trump’s impeachments in July, which reverted the exhibit to its 2008 format. The Smithsonian stated the removal was due to a review of “legacy content” and that the placard did not meet museum standards, despite having been displayed since September 2021. While Trump attempted to exert influence over cultural institutions, the Smithsonian maintains the removal was not due to external pressure, and the updated section will reflect all impeachment proceedings in U.S. history.
Read More
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History removed references to Donald Trump’s impeachments from an exhibit display in July, citing a content review following pressure from the White House. A temporary label, added in September 2021 and including information about Trump’s impeachments, was removed and the display was returned to its 2008 appearance. This change aligns with broader concerns about political interference at the Smithsonian and efforts by the Trump administration to control its work. The Smithsonian stated a future exhibit will include all impeachments and that updating the current display would take time and funding.
Read More
President Trump issued an executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution, accusing it of promoting “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” and demanding the removal of materials deemed historically inaccurate. Historians widely condemned this action as an attempt to whitewash American history and suppress discussions of race and social justice. The order specifically cites exhibits on race and gender, as well as planned programming, as examples of problematic content. This action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to control the narrative of American history and suppress diverse perspectives.
Read More
Vice President JD Vance will spearhead a Smithsonian Institution overhaul, as directed by President Trump’s executive order aiming to restore “truth and sanity” to American history. The order targets exhibits and programs deemed divisive, specifically citing the planned American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Funding for these institutions will be contingent upon compliance with the order’s directives. Simultaneously, renovations to Independence Hall are mandated in preparation for its 250th anniversary. This action reflects Trump’s broader campaign against what he labels “woke” ideology within American culture.
Read More
President Trump signed an executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” aiming to counter what it terms a biased rewriting of American history. The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, prohibiting funding for exhibits deemed divisive or inconsistent with federal policy, and mandates a review of monuments altered since 2020. Further, the order seeks to prevent the disparagement of Americans in historical displays. This action follows Trump’s recent takeover of the Kennedy Center, resulting in numerous high-profile cancellations.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker