CNN 5 Things One Thing: Might at the Museum: Trump Targets the Smithsonian
Aug 24, 2025
Leah Wright Rigueur, a political historian and associate professor at Johns Hopkins University, dives into President Trump's controversial critiques of the Smithsonian. She discusses how these attacks may distort American history, particularly the narratives around slavery and race. The conversation highlights the challenges museums face balancing political influence with historical accuracy. Rigueur emphasizes the need for responsible representation and the importance of preserving complex narratives to educate future generations.
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Student Artist In Smithsonian Exhibit
- Sasa Akil, a Howard graduate, helped curatorially interpret The Shape of Power exhibit as a student collaborator.
- Her name appears on a plaque and she felt targeted when the exhibit was criticized by the administration.
Executive Order Targets Smithsonian Exhibits
- President Trump signed an executive order to review the Smithsonian, singling out exhibits he called 'woke' and divisive.
- He criticized The Shape of Power for linking sculpture to scientific racism and systemic power structures.
Vague Complaint About 'Woke' History
- The administration alleges a 'woke' version of history that overemphasizes inequality and criticizes American exceptionalism.
- The letter to Smithsonian director Lonnie Bunch is vague but targets eight museums, including the Museum of African American History and Culture.