Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 12: US President Donald Trump has criticised the Smithsonian Institution for what he described as an excessive focus on oppression in its presentation of American history and called for a five-year exhibition dedicated to George Washington.
In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said the Smithsonian, under its recently ended leadership, had focused “overwhelmingly” on people who had been oppressed while giving insufficient attention to those who overcame oppression and adversity.
Trump called on the Smithsonian to honour Washington, whom he described as “America's Greatest Hero”, through a five-year exhibition at the National Museum of American History. He proposed that the exhibition begin immediately and continue until February 22, 2032, marking the 300th anniversary of Washington's birth.
He also called for the Smithsonian to erect a 30-foot “Colossus statue” of Washington outside the museum.
In addition, Trump asked the institution to install an 11-foot statue of Washington that was featured at the recent Freedom 250 Grand Prix race in the museum's Flag Hall.
Trump's latest comments are part of a months-long campaign against the Smithsonian, which his administration has accused of presenting American history from what it considers an excessively negative perspective.
The criticism intensified after Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced on Tuesday that he would retire. Bunch had previously rejected the White House's characterisation of the National Museum of American History, saying its accusations were unfair.
The Trump administration has also threatened to reduce federal funding and government support for the Smithsonian. Trump has previously expressed anger over what he described as the institution's excessive focus on slavery and its negative aspects.
Last year, the administration launched a review of several Smithsonian museums. The White House subsequently accused the National Museum of American History of promoting “thinly veiled anti-Americanism”. Trump has also ordered signs to be installed outside the museum reflecting his administration's criticism.
Trump has said his efforts are aimed at removing what he calls “anti-American ideology” from US cultural and historical institutions.
Historians and civil rights advocates have criticised Trump's campaign against the Smithsonian, warning that such moves could undermine recognition of important and difficult chapters of US history and reverse social progress.
The Smithsonian Institution is one of the world's largest museum and research complexes, with 21 museums and galleries as well as the National Zoo. It is a major centre for exhibitions and research on American history, culture and science.
Trump has increasingly targeted US cultural and historical institutions, including museums, monuments and national parks. His administration's actions and directives have included efforts to remove or alter slavery-related exhibits and restore Confederate statues.
The latest demand for a George Washington exhibition and statues adds to the administration's broader effort to reshape how American history and national identity are represented at major US cultural institutions.