For over a decade, I’ve served on the board of a public library, a role that once seemed far removed from the culture wars. That’s changed. Since President Trump’s return to office, his administration has launched a sweeping attack on libraries, museums, and repositories of American history, most recently targeting the Smithsonian Institution.
The White House has directly criticized several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Portrait Gallery, for their exhibitions and content deemed “woke.” The criticisms center on race, slavery, immigration, LGBTQ+ identity, and disability representation. A White House statement claims taxpayer money shouldn’t be used for content that divides Americans, advocating for a more “accurate, honest, and factual” presentation of history.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Trump has repeatedly denounced the Smithsonian on social media, calling it “OUT OF CONTROL” and demanding a change in its narrative to focus on “Success, Brightness, and the Future.” The administration even sent a letter to the Smithsonian secretary announcing a comprehensive internal review of exhibitions and materials, aiming to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism and remove divisive narratives.
This unprecedented White House review is alarming. It’s a blatant attempt to control historical narratives and silence dissenting voices. This isn’t just about the Smithsonian; it’s part of a broader pattern of attacks on universities, law firms, and cultural institutions, all in an effort to force conformity to the President’s vision.
The irony is that Trump’s attack mirrors the very fight surrounding the Smithsonian’s founding. In the 19th century, the institution’s creation was fiercely debated, with opponents like Senator John C. Calhoun arguing it was unconstitutional. This highlights a recurring theme: the struggle to define and control the narrative of American history.
Conservatives have periodically criticized the Smithsonian before, but Trump’s actions represent a significant escalation. The scope of his attempted review is breathtaking, encompassing exhibition texts, websites, educational materials, and even social media content. The goal is to control the message, ensuring it aligns with a specific, and arguably narrow, interpretation of “American ideals.”
The administration claims to want to adhere to the Smithsonian’s original mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” However, their actions reveal a different agenda: to promote a particular version of “Americanism” that silences diverse perspectives and overlooks difficult historical truths. In a free society, museums and libraries should foster inquiry, not promote partisan agendas.
The Smithsonian’s role is to help us understand our collective past, both triumphs and failures. This is a fundamental value that should be defended against attempts to rewrite history for political gain. The attack on the Smithsonian is an attack on the very principles of a free and informed society.
