Preserving Historical Integrity Amidst Political Currents
The Administration's Push for Ideological Alignment
The year 2025 presented significant challenges for the Smithsonian Institution, as it repeatedly came under the scrutiny of the second Trump administration. The year commenced with directives from Trump to cleanse the institution's 19 museums of any content deemed 'anti-American ideology,' a trend that appears to be continuing into 2026.
Deadline Looms for Content Review
Recent reports from the New York Times indicate that the Trump administration has intensified its efforts to bring the Smithsonian into compliance. A deadline has been set for the institution to undergo a comprehensive review of its content and future plans, with the explicit goal of aligning them with Trump's executive order, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," issued in March of the previous year.
Internal Acquiescence and Self-Censorship
While the Smithsonian's public strategy has seemingly been one of deferral, Charlotte Higgins, chief culture writer for The Guardian, has reported on a less overt, yet concerning, internal phenomenon. According to her findings, many within the Smithsonian bureaucracy are already engaging in a form of "acquiescence in advance," essentially practicing self-censorship to preempt official directives.
The "Unjust" Debate: A Case Study in Language Manipulation
A specific anecdote shared by a Smithsonian staffer illustrates this internal pressure: a proposed label for an exhibition detailing the internment of Japanese Americans initially included the word "unjust." However, the Smithsonian leadership reportedly requested its removal, fearing the term might be perceived as politically partisan. This incident underscores a broader pattern of subtle linguistic adjustments that collectively erode the historical narrative's fidelity.
The Cumulative Impact of Subtle Changes
The staffer articulated the profound implications of these minor alterations, noting that "America hardly ever apologizes for anything, and it almost never gives reparations, except for this event, this example in our history where we said sorry, and that apology came with money." The continuous modification of language and omission of certain details, though seemingly small, collectively inflict "small moral injuries" on the historical record.
Historical Precedent: The Civil Liberties Act of 1988
It is crucial to recall that in 1988, President Ronald Reagan enacted the Civil Liberties Act. This landmark legislation formally apologized for the internment of Japanese Americans and provided $20,000 in compensation to each surviving victim, a measure that followed a decade of persistent advocacy from Japanese American activists.
Silence from the Smithsonian
As of the time of publication, the Smithsonian Institution has not provided a response to inquiries regarding these developments, leaving many questions about its future direction and commitment to historical candor unanswered.