By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-amplifies-attacks-on-out-of-control-smithsonian-museums-for-including-negative-parts-of-american-history Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump amplifies attacks on ‘out of control’ Smithsonian museums for including negative parts of American history Politics Aug 19, 2025 5:04 PM EDT On Tuesday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Smithsonian museums were ’OUT OF CONTROL” for emphasizing the negative parts of American history, including “how bad slavery was.” READ MORE: Smithsonian removes Trump from an exhibit’s impeachment display, but says it’s temporary Trump, who has been at odd with various cultural institutions since returning to office in January, added that he had “instructed” his attorneys to begin the “exact same process” he has used against colleges and universities.” The White House has withheld funding from Harvard, Columbia University and other schools and made various demands, from more control over student admissions to banning trans athletes from women’s sports. The Trump administration in March issued an executive order calling for the Smithsonian to overhaul its collection and present a more celebratory view of the country. The order has been denounced by historians and others as an attempt to censor the past. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Smithsonian museums were ’OUT OF CONTROL” for emphasizing the negative parts of American history, including “how bad slavery was.” READ MORE: Smithsonian removes Trump from an exhibit’s impeachment display, but says it’s temporary Trump, who has been at odd with various cultural institutions since returning to office in January, added that he had “instructed” his attorneys to begin the “exact same process” he has used against colleges and universities.” The White House has withheld funding from Harvard, Columbia University and other schools and made various demands, from more control over student admissions to banning trans athletes from women’s sports. The Trump administration in March issued an executive order calling for the Smithsonian to overhaul its collection and present a more celebratory view of the country. The order has been denounced by historians and others as an attempt to censor the past. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now