On Point | Podcast Trump takes aim at the Smithsonian
Apr 10, 2025
Jennifer Schuessler, a New York Times reporter, discusses President Trump's executive order targeting the Smithsonian, raising questions about historical integrity. Mike Gonzalez from the Heritage Foundation shares insights on the implications for museum governance and educational integrity. Dinah Ramey Berry emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in historical narratives, while Richard Cohen warns against historical revisionism by powerful figures. The group debates how political agendas shape the understanding of America's complex history, particularly regarding race and marginalized stories.
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Targeted Exhibits
- Trump's executive order targets specific Smithsonian exhibits and programs.
- Examples include a graphic about "white culture" and an exhibit on sculpture and racial ideology.
Historians' Role
- Critics argue that the executive order misrepresents the Smithsonian's mission and the work of historians.
- They emphasize that the Smithsonian's role is to present history objectively, not to celebrate or condemn.
Rewriting History
- Mike Gonzalez argues the Smithsonian has become a partner in rewriting history.
- He believes the order is restoring curatorial standards that existed before the 1619 Project.