Trump slams Smithsonian for focusing on ‘how bad slavery was’, threatens funding
Civil rights advocates claim Trump’s administration is trying to reverse social progress and erase key moments in American history
US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution – a premier museum, education and research complex for US history and culture – to accept his demands, just like he did with colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding.
In a social media post, Trump complained about what he called excessive focus on “how bad Slavery was.”
“I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made,” Trump said on social media.
The Smithsonian, which was established in 1846 and includes 21 museums and galleries and the National Zoo, had no immediate comment. Most of its museums are in Washington.
The White House said last week it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Trump earlier this year accused it of spreading “anti-American ideology” and raised alarm among civil rights advocates.
When asked if Trump would threaten funding cuts to the Smithsonian based on the findings, a White House official said, “President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable.”