Trump Aims to Erase Black History at Smithsonian

President orders museum to promote 'American greatness', threatens funding for anti-American exhibits

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:52pm

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President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Smithsonian to promote 'American greatness' and threatening funding for any museums that have 'anti-American' exhibits. This is seen as an attempt to erase Black history and sanitize the truth about America's complicated past, including the role of slavery and segregation.

Why it matters

The National Museum of African American History and Culture serves as an important repository for the harsh truths of Black history in America, including slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement. Erasing this history would perpetuate white supremacy and deny the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans.

The details

Trump's executive order calls for the Smithsonian to focus on 'restoring truth and sanity to American history' by promoting 'American greatness'. This is viewed as an attempt to whitewash history and suppress exhibits that acknowledge the nation's complicated past, including the role of slavery and systemic racism.

  • President Trump signed the executive order on February 25, 2026.

The players

President Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has a history of making controversial statements and policies related to race and American history.

Bernice King

The daughter of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who has spoken out against efforts to erase Black history.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

A Smithsonian museum that chronicles the African American experience, including the harsh realities of slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement.

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What they’re saying

“Evil is always going to be present. It's always going to operate through different vessels in every season, in every generation. And that's why my mother was so brilliant when she said struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.”

— Bernice King

What’s next

The Smithsonian and other museums will likely face pressure to comply with the President's order, raising concerns about the preservation of Black history and the integrity of American historical narratives.

The takeaway

This executive order represents an alarming attempt to erase the harsh realities of America's past, including the systemic oppression of Black Americans. Preserving these historical truths is crucial for understanding the present and working towards a more just future.