Former President Donald Trump has launched a controversial attack on museums across the nation, specifically targeting the Smithsonian Institution for its perceived alignment with "WOKE" ideologies. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his discontent, stating that museums, particularly those in Washington, D.C., have become the "last remaining segment of 'WOKE'" culture. His strong condemnation of the Smithsonian was punctuated by his assertion that it is "OUT OF CONTROL," claiming that the institution predominantly focuses on the darker aspects of American history while neglecting stories of success and optimism.
In his post, Trump elaborated on his vision for American museums, emphasizing that they should celebrate the nation’s achievements rather than dwell on its shortcomings. He wrote, “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future.” This statement reflects Trump's broader agenda of reshaping how history is presented in educational institutions, including museums.
Trump further outlined his plans by stating, "We are not going to allow this to happen," indicating that he has instructed his attorneys to conduct a thorough review of museums similar to the scrutiny he has applied to colleges and universities. He asserted that significant progress has been made in those institutions and aims to replicate that success with the Smithsonian. His declaration that “WOKE IS BROKE” underscores his belief that the current narrative surrounding American history needs drastic change, especially as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
The backlash on social media was swift and intense. Former Republican Representative Joe Walsh questioned Trump’s stance, asking, “So now he wants to force them to discuss how ‘good’ slavery was?” Meanwhile, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke articulated her views on BlueSky, stating, “History is WOKE! Facts are WOKE! Museums are WOKE! Democracy is WOKE! Truth is WOKE! Ignorance? NOT WOKE!” These reactions highlight the polarized responses to Trump’s assertions about museums and their role in educating the public.
CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale disputed Trump’s claims, noting that a visit to any Smithsonian museum reveals a balanced portrayal of American history, including significant discussions on success and resilience. Critics have raised questions about Trump’s understanding of what constitutes a museum, particularly his suggestion that they should focus on the future rather than documenting historical events.
Trump's announcement led to a heated exchange on CNN when fitness guru Jillian Michaels defended his review of the Smithsonian. During the segment, Representative Ritchie Torres accused Michaels of engaging in “historical revisionism” as she attempted to argue that the portrayal of slavery should not be exclusively tied to one race. This discussion highlighted the complexities of how history and cultural narratives are presented in educational settings.
Trump’s cultural review of the Smithsonian aligns with his previous actions targeting colleges and the arts, including his management of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His administration's approach has sparked a broader debate about how history is taught and presented in public institutions. With plans to rename the opera house after First Lady Melania Trump, it’s evident that Trump aims to leave a lasting impact on America’s cultural landscape.
As the nation gears up for its 250th anniversary, the discussions surrounding museums and their role in shaping American history are more relevant than ever. The ongoing debate about the portrayal of history in museums will undoubtedly continue to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of American society and its values.
