Sep 29 Watch 9:19 How artists and musicians are responding to Trump's 2nd term By Jeffrey Brown, Simon Epstein Rock legend Bruce Springsteen publicly blasted President Trump and his policies, saying “we’re living through particularly dangerous times." As Trump increasingly targets the arts, artists are faced with the question of whether to speak out or keep their heads down. Continue watching
Sep 25 Watch 8:34 Citizen historians document Smithsonian exhibits under White House scrutiny By Jeffrey Brown, Maea Lenei Buhre, Mike Fritz, Cali Steffenhagen The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. It's a public-private trust that has long operated at arm's length from the White House, but now finds itself under unprecedented scrutiny from the Trump administration. Jeffrey Brown… Continue watching
Sep 17 Watch 9:07 Archivist fired by Trump launches a national effort to strengthen democracy By Amna Nawaz, Anne Azzi Davenport, Daria Nastasia Colleen Shogan made history when she became the first woman to serve as Archivist of the United States in 2023. In February, President Trump fired her with no reason given. On Constitution Day, Shogan launched a national bipartisan effort called… Continue watching
Aug 20 Watch 7:10 Scholar says Trump's efforts to reframe U.S. history is 'reminiscent of McCarthyism' By Amna Nawaz, Simon Epstein, Doug Adams, Ian Couzens, Jenna Bloom President Trump described Smithsonian museums as “out of control” for emphasizing, in his view, “how bad slavery was.” It's part of a pattern by Trump in his second term to reframe historical narratives, in particular about racism and discrimination. Amna… Continue watching
Aug 18 Watch 8:26 Newly released tapes reveal intimate reflections by Woody Guthrie By Jeffrey Brown, Simon Epstein, Daria Nastasia Nearly 60 years after his death, there is a renewed interest in the life and music of American folk icon and social activist Woody Guthrie. Last week, an album of songs and recordings of him talking was released, and Guthrie’s… Continue watching
Jul 01 Watch 8:52 A look at what's behind the efforts to reshape how American history is taught By Paul Solman, Mike Fritz In the last decade, at least 20 states have passed laws or policies that restrict how history can be taught in schools. Since taking office, President Trump has pushed further with executive orders that aim to reshape how U.S. history… Continue watching
Jun 30 Watch 7:58 The power of stories helps young people overcome differences By Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport Colum McCann's Narrative 4 organization is bringing the power of story to students in a time of division. The project helps young people around the world share their stories and bridge divides in politics and culture. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey… Continue watching
Jun 10 Watch 6:45 Smithsonian board rejects Trump's attempt to fire top leader By Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport, Simon Epstein The Smithsonian’s board of regents issued a statement on Monday declaring that “all personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of the secretary, with oversight by the board.” It comes amid President Trump's efforts to fire one… Continue watching
Jun 04 Watch 8:36 Local arts groups face budget gaps as NEA pulls grants By Jeffrey Brown, Simon Epstein On May 3, the National Endowment for the Arts sent emails to hundreds of arts organizations around the country terminating their grants. The abrupt loss of federal support has organizations scrambling to make up for budget shortfalls. Jeffrey Brown reports… Continue watching
May 02 Watch 6:26 Conservative offers perspective on Trump's effort to exert authority over history and art By Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport President Trump has accused the Smithsonian and other museums of promoting “narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.” Previously, Jeffrey Brown spoke with a historian critical of the president’s moves. Now, he has a different… Continue watching