This Day Emergency Podcast: Smithsonian Showdown, Relitigating Slavery, More (2025)
Aug 24, 2025
The podcast dives into the Trump administration's attempts to reshape American history, with a focus on attacks against the Smithsonian. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and honesty in historical narratives, especially regarding slavery. The discussion critiques how politicians simplify complex histories and highlights the role of museums in navigating these controversies. It also addresses the legacy of slavery in modern politics and the challenges cultural institutions face while maintaining historical accuracy amidst political influences.
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State-Sanctioned History Push
- Trump seeks a state-sanctioned patriotic history that erases difficult truths.
- That agenda conflicts with recent scholarly pushes to confront darker corners of U.S. history.
Emotions Drive Museum Attacks
- Critics frame museum changes around individual emotional reactions, not historical accuracy.
- The hosts argue museums should prioritize richer understanding over soothing visitors' discomfort.
Lindsay Halligan's Rise
- Jody describes Lindsay Halligan as a private citizen who gained influence after museum visits.
- Halligan is named in the executive order and pushes for emphasizing how far America has come from slavery.
