Trump Expands Push Against ‘Woke’ Ideology to Museums Across the U.S.
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Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday his intention to extend his campaign against what he terms ”woke” ideology beyond the Smithsonian Institution to museums throughout the country. This move signals a deepening of the cultural battles that defined his presidency and continues to shape his current political strategy.
Escalating Concerns and Initial Actions
Trump voiced his concerns on his Truth Social platform, asserting that museums nationwide, but particularly those in Washington, D.C., have become bastions of “WOKE” ideology. He criticized the Smithsonian for focusing on negative aspects of American history, specifically slavery, and perceived shortcomings of marginalized groups, while allegedly neglecting narratives of success and progress. “The Museums…are, essentially, the last remaining segment of ‘WOKE,'” Trump wrote.
He stated he has directed his legal team to initiate a process mirroring those used with colleges and universities,where,he claims,”tremendous progress has been made.” The specifics of this process remain unclear, but it suggests a potential for increased scrutiny and intervention in museum content.
A White House representative confirmed that Trump will “explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable,” beginning with the Smithsonian and expanding from ther. No details were provided regarding the mechanisms for vetting exhibit content or potential executive actions.
this escalation began in late March with the issuance of an executive order, “Restoring Truth and sanity to american History,” tasking Vice President JD Vance with removing “improper ideology” from the Smithsonian’s 21 museums and the National Zoo .
Did You Know? the Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846, is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, comprising 19 museums and the National Zoological Park.
Personnel Disputes and Smithsonian Response
In May, Trump publicly stated his intention to fire Kim Sajet, the director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, citing her as “a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI.” However, it quickly became apparent that the president lacked the authority to directly remove Sajet, and she remained in her position.
The Smithsonian board of Regents subsequently rejected Trump’s attempt to dismiss Sajet in early June. The board affirmed its support for Smithsonian Secretary lonnie G. bunch, emphasizing his authority in personnel decisions. The board’s statement indicated that Bunch, not Trump, would oversee any necessary changes to museum content.
The board directed Bunch to establish clear expectations for museum directors and staff regarding content, allowing time for adjustments to ensure unbiased presentations and reporting back on progress. Sajet resigned a few days later, stating in a message to staff that stepping aside was “the best way to serve the institution I hold so deeply in my heart.”
Broader Implications and Museum Concerns
Other museums are expressing alarm over the potential ramifications of Trump’s actions. The Japanese American National Museum in los Angeles condemned the “reshaping of Smithsonian Museums” to align with the administration’s historical interpretation. Ann Burroughs,the museum’s president and CEO,argued that such efforts represent “nothing less than the erasure of history.”
The American Alliance of Museums also issued a statement warning of “growing threats of censorship against U.S. museums,” highlighting the importance of independent scholarship and open inquiry. The alliance cautioned that external pressures to modify or limit exhibitions could create a ”chilling effect” across the museum sector.
Pro Tip: Museums ofen operate as non-profit organizations, relying on a combination of government funding, private donations, and earned revenue. Political interference can jeopardize these funding streams and operational independence.
| Date | event |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2025 | Trump issues executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American history.” |
| May 30, 2025 | Trump announces intention to fire Kim Sajet. |
| June 9, 2025 | Smithsonian Board of Regents rejects Trump’s attempt to fire Sajet. |
| June 13, 2025 | Kim Sajet resigns as director of the National Portrait Gallery. |
| August 20, 2025 | Trump announces plans to expand ‘woke’ crusade to museums nationwide. |
What role should museums play in presenting complex and sometimes uncomfortable historical truths? And how can institutions balance historical accuracy with contemporary sensitivities?
Context and Background
The debate over historical portrayal in museums is not new. Throughout history, museums have been sites of contestation, reflecting the prevailing ideologies and power structures of their time. The current controversy builds upon decades of scholarship challenging customary narratives and advocating for more inclusive and diverse interpretations of the past. The concept of “woke” itself, while recently popularized in political discourse, has roots in African American Vernacular English, signifying awareness of social injustices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Trump mean by ”woke” ideology? Trump generally uses the term to describe progressive ideas related to social justice, diversity, and inclusion that he views as detrimental to American values.
- What authority does the President have over the Smithsonian? While the President appoints the Smithsonian’s Secretary and some members of the board of Regents, the Smithsonian operates with a degree of independence.
- Could Trump’s actions lead to censorship in museums? Experts fear that the pressure to conform to a specific political narrative could lead to self-censorship or the removal of exhibits deemed controversial.
- What is the role of museums in shaping public understanding of history? Museums play a crucial role in preserving and interpreting the past, influencing how future generations understand their heritage.
- How are museums responding to these challenges? Many museums are reaffirming their commitment to academic freedom, historical accuracy, and inclusive storytelling.
As this situation unfolds,the future of historical representation in American museums remains uncertain. The ongoing debate highlights the critical importance of safeguarding these institutions as spaces for open inquiry, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of our shared past.