Summary
Former President Donald Trump has criticized the Smithsonian museums for focusing on negative aspects of American history, like slavery, and has ordered a review of the exhibits. Trump's administration wants to ensure the museums promote a sense of "Americanism." The Organization of American Historians and other groups have opposed this review, calling it historical censorship.
Key Facts
- Donald Trump criticized Smithsonian museums for focusing on negative U.S. history.
- He ordered a review of their exhibits to ensure they promote "Americanism."
- Trump claims the museums emphasize how "horrible" the U.S. is, including its history of slavery.
- The Smithsonian is largely funded by Congress but makes independent decisions.
- The Organization of American Historians opposes the review, calling it censorship.
- The review is tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- Freedom of expression group PEN America criticized the review as an attempt to rewrite history.
