Trump, Smithsonian Institution and slavery
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New York Times investigative reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones talks about President Trump's criticism of the Smithsonian, saying the institution focuses too much on "how bad slavery was."
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a premier museum, education and research complex for U.S. history and culture, to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding.
Through its 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education and research centers and a zoo, the Smithsonian Institution’s collections are expansive and cover every aspect of U.S. history, including more than 200 years of slavery.
In April, the National Museum of African American History and Culture sparked controversy after it announced it would return several artifacts to their donors, including a Bible carried during a civil rights protest and Harriet Tubman’s book of hymns, NBC News reported.
There are heightened concerns for D.C.'s Smithsonian museums after President Trump issued a Truth Social post criticizing the institution and what he called “woke” culture.
"The Museums throughout Washington, but all over the Country are, essentially, the last remaining segment of "WOKE," he wrote.
Donald Trump has criticised the Smithsonian Institution. He claims its exhibits focus on negative US history, like slavery. Trump believes museums are too "woke". His administration is reviewing museum content.
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