Trump Administration Expands Review of Smithsonian Museums for ‘Woke’ History

President Trump has initiated an unprecedented review of American museums, starting with the Smithsonian Institution, aiming to remove what he perceives as "woke" ideology and an overly negative portrayal of American history, particularly regarding slavery. His administration emphasizes focusing on progress and success rather than dwelling on the historical injustices like slavery, with special assistant Lindsey Halligan stating the goal is to make the Smithsonian "amazing and great" in line with the president's vision. Trump has publicly criticized museums for focusing excessively on America's historical wrongs and not enough on hope, progress, or the future, even suggesting the Smithsonian should include exhibits about the future. Historians and critics warn that Trump's approach risks whitewashing and distorting history, undermining the role of museums as spaces for comprehensive, factual education about the nation's complex past. Scholars like Michael Eric Dyson have compared Trump's agenda to fascist propaganda efforts, emphasizing that museums must present the full scope of history—including the good, bad, and ugly—to maintain a nation's collective conscience. The Smithsonian, an independent institution governed by a Board of Regents, is not directly controlled by the president, though Trump could influence it by freezing federal funding, similar to actions taken against educational institutions he views as promoting anti-diversity perspectives.