President Donald Trump slammed what he described as the Smithsonian’s excessive emphasis on oppression this past Friday. He urged for a five-year exhibition dedicated to George Washington, continuing his ongoing criticism of an institution he has often targeted.
The Republican leader has taken aim at the Smithsonian for several months, which critics claim is part of a broader effort to portray US history from a conservative angle. On Tuesday, Smithsonian director Lonnie Bunch announced his retirement.
Trump shared on Truth Social that “under recently ended leadership,” the Smithsonian shifted its focus “to highlight overwhelmingly those who have been oppressed, but there is almost no attention paid to those who triumphed over great oppression, and against great odds.”
“I am calling on the Smithsonian Institution to honor the Life and Legacy of George Washington, America’s Greatest Hero, with a five-year exhibition at the National Museum of American History, beginning now and continuing through February 22, 2032, the 300th anniversary of Washington’s birth,” Trump stated.
He also called on the Smithsonian to “build a 30-foot (9-m) ‘Colossus statue'” of Washington outside the museum.
Additionally, he requested that an 11-foot (3.4-m) statue of Washington displayed at the recent Freedom 250 Grand Prix race be placed in Flag Hall within the museum.
The Trump administration had previously threatened to cut federal funding and support from federal agencies for the Smithsonian. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with what he labeled as the institution’s excessive focus on how severe slavery was.
Last year, his administration initiated a review of certain museums and accused the National Museum of American History of having “thinly veiled anti-Americanism.”
Moreover, Trump directed that signs be put up outside the museum reflecting his administration’s criticisms.
Historians and civil rights activists have condemned Trump’s remarks and allegations against this institution. They argue these actions could hinder social progress and undermine recognition of key moments in US history.
Bunch stated that accusations from the White House against the National Museum of American History were unjustified.
The Smithsonian consists of an extensive collection including research facilities and serves as a top venue for displaying US history and culture. It comprises 21 museums and galleries along with the National Zoo.
Trump has criticized various cultural and historical institutions across America-from museums to monuments to national parks-through declarations leading to dismantling exhibits about slavery while restoring Confederate statues.
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