A horde of history buffs have been left dismayed by the news that the Trump administration seeks to assess the ‘historical accuracy’ of a number of American museums and exhibitions.
According to Fox News, the president and his administration plan to crack down on commemorate buildings and organisations as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebration next year.
As such, Donald Trump has been issuing requests to specific national museums and affiliated exhibits, demanding that their contents ‘reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story’.
One of these facilities, is the Smithsonian Institution.
As per the new report, the museum’s secretary Lonnie Bunch III received a letter from Trump officials recently, informing him that a review process would soon be underway, in line with the Republican’s ‘Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History’ executive order.
The review reportedly applies to a number of specific facilities (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
What does the Trump administration plan to ‘review’?
The letter reads: “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.”
It also claims that bringing ‘historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of America’s heritage’ to the forefront is essential.
Also set to be internally reviewed in the coming weeks are the National Museums of American History, Natural History, African American History and Culture, and American Indian, and the National Air and Space Museum.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is also believed to be subjected to the administration’s judgement, along with the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
An alarming new theory
Trump has been accused of ‘trying to rewrite history’ (Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Despite the politician’s officials insisting the plan is ‘rooted in respect’ for the country’s cultural centres, critics have coined a theory that the US leader is attempting to ‘rewrite history’.
“He wasn’t even born during certain events, how will he know if it’s accurate?” one social media user demanded.
Another penned: “Hahahaha Trumps playing army again now he’s trying to rewrite history…. And the Red Hats look for the next boot to lick.”
A third suggested: “‘Historically accurate’ means they’ll be changing anything they don’t agree with.”
“Give me a break,” another continued. “More like erasing history they don’t like. Leave the Smithsonian alone.”
A fifth claimed: “Very sad as they will change things to reflect them.”
What else is the Trump administration trying to change?
The president is also said to have plans to rename the Kennedy Center in honour of Melania (Eric Lee/Getty Images Eric Lee/Getty Images)
The controversy comes just weeks after the administration announced plans to rename the iconic Kennedy Center Opera House in honour of Trump’s wife, Melania.
Despite being built in 1971 in honour of the late president John F. Kennedy – who was assassinated – seven years earlier, after Trump was elected as the chairperson, his staff suggested changing the name on the basis of the alleged ‘support and commitment in promoting the arts and humanities’ that the current First Lady has shown over the years.
