1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express grave concern about President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to pressure the Smithsonian Institution into revising its historical narratives. His criticism of the Smithsonian’s portrayal of slavery and systemic racism is a dangerous attempt to erase essential truths from our national memory. The Smithsonian’s mission is to preserve and present history honestly. Its museums—especially the National Museum of African American History and Culture—tell the stories of enslaved people, their descendants, and the ongoing struggles for freedom and equality. These narratives are not “anti-American”; they are essential to understanding the full measure of our past. To diminish or sanitize them would dishonor those who suffered and silence voices that must be heard. History belongs to the American people, not to politicians. Allowing any administration to dictate museum content sets a precedent that threatens academic integrity, cultural preservation, and the democratic principle of truth-telling. I urge Congress to defend the independence of the Smithsonian and affirm that telling the full truth about slavery and racism is an act of patriotism, not disloyalty. Only by confronting our past honestly can we build a more just and inclusive future.