Bob Fertik, Democrats.com - Donald Trump is
trying to bully the Smithsonian into rewriting American history to fit his
political agenda.
A new White House report attacks the Smithsonian’s National
Museum of American History, smearing museum leadership and accusing the
institution of pushing "far-left ideology."
But the real threat is coming from the White House: a
president using government power to pressure one of America’s most important
public cultural institutions into telling history the way he wants it told.
Don't
Let Trump Rewrite American History
The Smithsonian does not belong to Donald Trump. It belongs
to the American people. Its job is to preserve history, tell the truth, and
help the public understand the full American story — including the
achievements, struggles, injustices, and movements that shaped this country.
If Trump succeeds in intimidating the Smithsonian, it could
set a dangerous precedent for every public institution that teaches history,
protects knowledge, or tells uncomfortable truths. Museums should not be forced
to erase slavery, civil rights struggles, Indigenous history, women’s history,
LGBTQ+ history, immigration history, or any other part of the American
experience because politicians find it inconvenient.
The Smithsonian Board of Regents has a responsibility to
protect the institution from political pressure. The Board must make clear that
museum professionals, historians, curators, and educators — not Donald Trump —
should decide how American history is preserved and presented.
American history is not propaganda. It is complex, painful,
inspiring, unfinished, and real. We cannot allow any president to turn the
Smithsonian into a political weapon.
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