Trump, the Smithsonian, and is He Really Rewriting History?

One of my favorite places when I head to Washington DC is the Smithsonian. It is where I can indulge in history, art, and the space program. It’s where, the first time I took my son, I had to explain to him why I was crying as I walked through the exhibit on the Vietnam War. Now those grand museums have become a political battlefield. Donald Trump wants to make sure the “vision” presented by the Smithsonian as our country approaches its 250-year anniversary celebrates the exceptionalism of America. The Democrats are accusing him of trying to rewrite history. And the museum is caught in the crossfire.

So what’s the big deal?

That’s simple. In a letter to Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian, members of the Administration laid out a number of requests for review of exhibits, the curatorial process, use of exhibits (including traveling exhibits), and narrative standards, among other things. The reason for the request is that “it is more important than ever that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story.”

If the letter left it at that, most of the outrage would never have gained traction. However, the letter went on to say:

In this spirit, and in accordance with Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, we will be leading a comprehensive internal review of selected Smithsonian museums and exhibitions. This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”

Bringing Trump’s name into it has been like pouring gas on a fire. It doesn’t matter what the reasoning behind the request is. It doesn’t matter if it only seeks to keep the exhibits non-partisan. All that matters is that Trump has a vision and how dare he interfere with the museum as we near the upcoming anniversary.

In other words, look at the outrage that’s been going on regarding his involvement with the Kennedy Center and the Kennedy Center Awards and amplify it.

So what is EO 14253?

In a very simplified explanation, it is Trump’s attempt to “correct” actions taken over the last decade that he sees as rewriting history and more. We’re talking about more than the renaming of military bases and removal of statues. It also includes taking hard looks at exhibits that on their face seem to advance the idea of allowing trans athletes to compete against girls or that question the idea of the nuclear family.

I will admit I don’t agree with everything in the letter or in the executive order. However, I also admit I believe the Smithsonian should be non-partisan in its exhibits.

Still, it is sort of fun watching the likes of Anderson Cooper lose their minds over the idea that Trump might make changes or impose new rules on the Smithsonian. Remember, this is the same Anderson Cooper who during the New Year’s Eve televised celebration several years ago with Andy Cohen appeared to get drunk and act, shall we say, disorderly?

According to Cooper, Trump’s attempt to celebrate our nation’s exceptionalism is “insulting to the memory of people who fought and died for this country. And I’m not just talking about those who fought in wars overseas. I’m talking about, you know, Americans, enslaved people who died in this country, who were lynched, who were chased by mobs.”

Hmm, I don’t remember reading that anywhere in the letter to the Smithsonian leadership or in the executive order.

As The Daily Signal points out, if the Smithsonian is as non-partisan at the Left wants us to believe, why does it have a Center for Restorative History? I don’t know about you, but that sort of sounds like they use the center to rewrite history to meet a certain narrative.

We spotlight the people and stories that have been excluded from our national narrative using the principles of restorative justice. We do this by partnering with communities across the country that continue to resist these exclusions. Together, with their diverse voices, we make history and imagine a more just and inclusive future.”

Reread that last sentence: “…we make history and imagine a more just and inclusive future.” Doesn’t that sound like they are rewriting or creating out of little more than wishes and dreams a history that isn’t necessarily anchored in fact?

But the Trump Administration wanting a review of the six named museums is a “cultural crackdown” according to People. But is it? Or is it an accounting of taxpayer dollars that helps support the Smithsonian to make sure it remains non-partisan?

Somewhere in all the mess of Trump’s rhetoric, the Left’s TDS, and the media lies the truth. The sad part is that we, the people of this great nation, will be the losers if this escalates into a real battle. Donald Trump isn’t known for backing down from a good fight, especially one he feels would undermine his authority should he lose. The Left is so terrified of Trump somehow figuring out a way to become dictator that they don’t care if they shoot not only themselves in the foot but us as well.

In the executive order, Trump said:

It is the policy of my Administration to restore Federal sites dedicated to history, including parks and museums, to solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing.  Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn — not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history.

This is something we should all desire. But, in doing so, we also need to remember that history should show our warts as well. Failure to do so means subsequent generations can’t learn from our mistakes. So long as Trump and those he’s tapped to handle the reviews at the Smithsonian remember that, there should be no problem.

As long as you can ignore the screaming of the liberals who don’t like the fact their attempts to rewrite history are not only being ignored but are being erased. However, there is a caveat here we need to remember. If the Administration goes too far, the day will come when the tables turn and the revisions we’ve seen so far will be nothing compared to what future politicians will try to jam down our throats. So a little caution, an even and steady hand and a real knowledge of history is required or this will blow up on our faces down the road.

Featured Image: Smithsonian Castle Aerial, Washington, D.C. by Carol M. Highsmith, 20 Sept 2006. Carol M. Highsmith has stipulated that her photographs are in the public domain.

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