Don't Let Trump Hide the Truth About Slavery at Smithsonian

President Trump just called the Smithsonian “out of control” for telling the truth about slavery—and now his administration is demanding it be rewritten.

On August 12, the White House gave Smithsonian officials 120 days to change how museums portray U.S. history. The order demands a shift in “tone” and “framing,” especially in exhibits tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

We’re calling on Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III to reject this political censorship and protect the truth. As head of one of our nation’s most respected institutions, he must not let it be co-opted by partisan revisionism.

Trump’s goals are clear. He blasted the Smithsonian on Truth Social for focusing on “how bad Slavery was” and not enough on “Success” or “Brightness.” His administration has already pushed to remove references to his impeachments and reportedly pressured the removal of 32 artifacts from the National Museum of African American History and Culture—including a hymn book owned by Harriet Tubman.

Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley called Trump’s push “the epitome of dumbness.” Harvard’s Cornell William Brooks warned that the same propaganda used to downplay slavery once fueled public lynchings.

Tell Secretary Bunch: Do not comply with Trump’s directive. Protect the integrity of our national museums and preserve the truth about slavery for future generations.

Sign your name to demand courage and leadership in the face of historical censorship.