Trump order aims to change our understanding of history
In an executive order called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” President Trump criticizes Smithsonian exhibits that examine how race interacts with power and privilege. He claims they “portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.”
The executive order also threatens to take away funding from exhibitions within the Smithsonian Museum network that promote what the administration is calling “a divisive, race-centered ideology.”
Under President Trump’s order, a number of federally funded museums could lose government support unless they make changes to their programming.
But there are smaller organizations that are forging ahead to preserve American history—including history about race.
Guest:
- Stephanie Johnson Toliver, the President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington
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Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside
Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside. She’s a native Pacific Northwesterner who grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington, and covered local news as a producer and reporter with KIRO Radio.
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Lauren Williams
Fill-In Producer
Lauren Williams is a producer on Soundside, KUOW’s noontime show. She has produced segments on politics, history, and culture for the program. She’s passionate about connecting listeners to the world by exploring global issues in local contexts.
More stories from Lauren Williams »
