1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

The White House has accused the Smithsonian Institution of repeatedly displaying authentic historical objects, accurately dated documents and other physical evidence that could undermine the administration’s preferred understanding of the American past. The allegations appear in a sweeping new report concluding that Smithsonian leaders cannot be trusted to tell the nation’s history because they remain excessively committed to determining what happened before describing it. Administration officials expressed particular concern that museum exhibits continue to contain original photographs, handwritten letters, government records and artifacts that visitors might independently examine. “This is not how a unifying national story is created,” one White House official explained. “You cannot simply place an actual object behind glass, identify where it came from and allow Americans to reach conclusions without first explaining how the object supports President Trump.” The National Museum of American History received especially harsh criticism for displaying material related to slavery, segregation, immigration, labor conflict and civil rights. According to the report, the museum’s decision to acknowledge these events creates the misleading impression that they occurred. Officials recommended replacing several historically authenticated exhibits with more inspirational alternatives, including a large interactive screen allowing visitors to select the version of American history that makes them feel best. Under one proposed exhibit, visitors could press a button labeled “Slavery” and receive a message explaining that the matter remains under review. Another button marked “Civil War” would describe the conflict as a vigorous interstate policy disagreement that was peacefully resolved by President Trump during a meeting with Abraham Lincoln. The White House also objected to museum labels containing years, names and geographic locations, warning that excessive specificity can divide Americans by forcing them to confront a shared timeline. “Dates are inherently partisan,” the report states. “Once you admit that one event occurred before another event, you have begun imposing a narrative.” Future exhibits may instead organize American history into three approved periods: Greatness, Temporary Confusion and Greatness Restored. The administration is reportedly considering leadership changes throughout the Smithsonian system, with potential curators being evaluated on their ability to identify which historical facts are encouraging and which require immediate storage. Candidates may be asked to examine several artifacts and determine whether each one should be displayed, relabeled or quietly transferred to a warehouse in Maryland. One proposed test involves showing applicants a photograph of a 1960s civil rights march. Applicants receiving the highest score will identify it as either a patriotic parade or an early gathering of people grateful that America had already solved the issue. “We are not opposed to evidence,” a White House spokesperson clarified. “We simply believe evidence should be inspirational, properly supervised and never permitted to contradict the president.” The report also recommends adding more exhibits about American exceptionalism, including a new Hall of Unquestioned Victories and a permanent display documenting every war the United States has won if visitors leave before reaching the final panel. Several controversial artifacts may remain, provided they receive updated labels. The desk used to sign important civil rights legislation could be renamed “An Example of Excessive Federal Regulation.” A suffragist banner might be displayed as evidence that American women always possessed the freedom to politely request rights. Harriet Tubman would remain in the museum but could be identified primarily as a successful small-business transportation entrepreneur. The administration also hopes to modernize the visitor experience by adding a fact-checking station operated by White House staff. Guests who encounter troubling historical information could submit it for immediate emotional review. Facts determined to cause national discomfort would receive a small sticker reading, “Disputed by Several Very Important People.” The Smithsonian has not announced whether it will adopt the proposed changes. White House officials said cooperation would be strongly encouraged through the traditional nonpartisan historical tools of funding threats, leadership purges and presidential social-media posts. The report concludes that America’s museums should inspire citizens by celebrating the nation’s past without becoming distracted by the things the nation actually did. Please stop this. Museums should not be propaganda. The Smithsonian has always been non partisan and needs to remain so. The truth needs to be told.