The Brian Lehrer Show President Trump Comes for the Museums
Aug 21, 2025
Douglas Brinkley, a historian at Rice University and CNN contributor, dives into the tumultuous impact of the Trump administration on the Smithsonian museums. He argues against potential censorship that could erase critical narratives about slavery and racial history. The discussion traverses the renaming of military bases and the importance of inclusive historical representation. Brinkley emphasizes the need for museums to confront America’s complex past, warning against the dangers of whitewashing history while celebrating cultural achievements like jazz.
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Smithsonian Is A Broad Repository
- The Smithsonian houses broad artifacts and stories, not a single political message.
- Douglas Brinkley says the institution has expanded and done incredible work across decades.
Political Move Mirrors Authoritarian Control
- Brinkley frames the administration's move as an attack on 'woke culture' and historical narratives.
- He warns it resembles authoritarian efforts to control public memory.
Slavery Is Central To Black History Displays
- Museums naturally include the history of slavery when explaining Black American history.
- Brinkley says omitting that would erase central causal forces like the Civil War.