1619 Project founder on Trump, the Smithsonian, and whitewashing U.S. History

Historical Interpretation & Political Influence - The Trump administration targeted Smithsonian exhibits deemed "woke," focusing on topics like sexuality, slavery, and immigration, accusing some artwork of being anti-American [1] - The administration's actions are interpreted as an attempt to control the understanding of the past to influence the present, particularly regarding race and American history [5][6][17] - Museums are intended to expand understanding and teach about past mistakes, not to please those in power [3] - Rewriting or erasing history is seen as a means to maintain power structures by obscuring the true history of racial inequality and justifying regressive policies [19][21] Education & Curriculum - The 1619 Project examines US history through the lens of slavery's central role in the nation's founding and development [5] - There are accusations of hypocrisy, with some criticizing the 1619 Project while supporting unvetted, ideological learning materials [15] - Oklahoma attempted to ban the teaching of the 1619 project [13] Historical Context & Warnings - Historians warn that the current situation, where the executive branch is attempting to control universities, art museums, and history museums, is unprecedented in American history [4][24] - Comparisons are drawn to the rise of Nazism in Germany, suggesting a chilling parallel in the attempt to control historical narratives [24][25] Race & Political Power - Race is being used as a means of political power to distract working-class white people from unpopular economic policies [7] - The administration is accused of trying to recast white Americans as the primary victims of racism [20] - The true history of slavery and racial apartheid needs to be hidden in order to justify regressive policies [21]