Trump’s Directive Erases Key Slavery Exhibits, Neglects Black History

The Trump administration has escalated its efforts to reshape the narrative of American history, mandating federal agencies to eradicate exhibits and materials that highlight slavery and racial injustices by September 17. This directive from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has sparked significant protests, notably in Philadelphia. It follows a White House article denouncing the Smithsonian Institution’s portrayal of slavery, racism, and social justice as “anti-American propaganda.” Karsonya “Kaye” Whitehead, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), criticized this move as an attempt to obscure the painful realities of America’s past. Activists are rallying to protect the President’s House memorial, which documents George Washington's enslavement of nine individuals. The exhibit provides important historical context, and its removal is viewed as a broader attempt to sanitize American history. Community leaders assert that this initiative could erase essential elements of Black experiences from the national narrative.