Trump Administration Accused of Erasing History and Science at National Parks

Conservation and historical groups file lawsuit over policies that remove exhibits on slavery, civil rights, and climate change

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A coalition of conservation and historical organizations has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that National Park Service policies have forced the removal or censorship of exhibits that share factually accurate U.S. history and scientific knowledge, including information about slavery, civil rights, treatment of Indigenous peoples, and climate change. The groups say the changes came in response to a Trump executive order aimed at ensuring national parks and museums do not display elements that 'inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.'

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over the politicization of historical narratives and scientific facts at national parks, which serve as important educational resources for the public. The removal of exhibits related to slavery, civil rights, and climate change raises questions about the administration's motives and the potential long-term impacts on public understanding of American history and science.

The details

The lawsuit was filed in Boston by a coalition that includes the National Parks Conservation Association, American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, and Union of Concerned Scientists. It alleges that the Trump administration's policies have led to the removal of numerous exhibits that discuss the history of slavery, civil rights, treatment of Indigenous peoples, and climate science. For example, at the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama, officials have flagged about 80 items for removal, and the permanent exhibit at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park in Kansas has been flagged because it mentions 'equity.' A Pride flag was also removed at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City.

  • On February 17, 2026, conservation and historical organizations filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over National Park Service policies.
  • In January 2026, a federal judge ordered that an exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington must be restored at his former home in Philadelphia.

The players

National Parks Conservation Association

A nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing America's national parks.

American Association for State and Local History

A professional organization that promotes the study and interpretation of state and local history in the United States.

Association of National Park Rangers

A professional organization that represents National Park Service employees and advocates for the protection and preservation of national parks.

Union of Concerned Scientists

A nonprofit science advocacy organization that works to ensure the use of rigorous, independent science to address global challenges.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who issued an executive order directing the Interior Department to ensure national parks and museums do not display elements that 'inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.'

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What they’re saying

“Censoring science and erasing America's history at national parks are direct threats to everything these amazing places, and our country, stand for.”

— Alan Spears, Senior Director of Cultural Resources, National Parks Conservation Association

“National parks serve as living classrooms for our country, where science and history come to life for visitors. As Americans, we deserve national parks that tell stories of our country's triumphs and heartbreaks alike. We can handle the truth.”

— Alan Spears, Senior Director of Cultural Resources, National Parks Conservation Association

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently pending in federal court, and the outcome will determine whether the Trump administration's policies regarding the removal of historical and scientific exhibits at national parks will be upheld or overturned.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of national parks in accurately representing the complex and sometimes difficult aspects of American history and science. The lawsuit underscores the importance of preserving educational resources that provide a comprehensive and factual understanding of the nation's past and present, rather than selectively censoring information that may be politically inconvenient.