NEED TO KNOW
- The White House’s “Truth and Sanity” program orders museums to drop exhibits that “make America look bad.”
- Slavery, Prohibition, and the 2020 election are on the removal list.
- Smithsonian curators told to focus on moon landings, jazz, and bald eagles.
History Gets a Highlight Reel
The Smithsonian may soon feel like America’s yearbook. Under the “Truth and Sanity” program, curators must strip out anything considered sad, messy, or embarrassing. The new displays will center on victories, parades, and portraits of George Washington with an idealized jawline.
From Shackles to Fireworks
The slavery exhibit will vanish. So will the photos of Prohibition raids and the 2020 election results display. In their place: looping fireworks, a cheeseburger replica, and a bald eagle plush for kids who don’t need context.
Historians Push Back
Historians say this erases important truths. White House aides argue visitors will “leave happier” and that “truth is overrated during re-election season.” One leaked memo suggested replacing the Civil War gallery with “Civil Disagreement,” an empty room serving free popcorn.
Quote of the moment
Sometimes the best way to win an argument is to hide every fact that proves you wrong
Franklin D. Smith, National Association for Selective History
