Trump Pushes Smithsonian to Shift Away From ‘Divisive’ History

President Donald Trump is pressing museums across the country, including the Smithsonian, to change the way they tell America’s story. The White House says museums are too focused on “divisive narratives” and negative periods in U.S. history.

In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized the Smithsonian, writing that “everything discussed is how horrible our country is, how bad slavery was, continuing with nothing about success, nothing about brightness, nothing about the future.” The president added that he wants museums to highlight resilience, progress, and the promise of democracy.

The push comes just months after Trump signed an executive order directing federal cultural institutions to emphasize what he called “truth and sanity” in historical interpretation. The order requires a sweeping review of exhibits in Washington, D.C., with the aim of presenting a more optimistic portrayal of America’s past.

Historians and museum experts have raised concerns. They argue the president’s approach risks erasing painful but essential parts of U.S. history. “We don’t need the president or anyone else literally assaulting our culture, assaulting our history,” one expert said, noting that slavery and other injustices are integral to understanding how the nation has evolved.

The Smithsonian remains one of the most visited museum systems in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually. Leaders in the field warn that rewriting or diminishing historical narratives could harm the public’s understanding of both America’s struggles and its progress.

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