Did Trump 'defend' slavery? Post targeting the Smithsonian museums sparks backlash

Trump faces backlash after a post slamming the Smithsonian for focusing on slavery, with many interpreting it as him downplaying one of America’s darkest eras.

Updated on: Aug 20, 2025, 01:35:46 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A social media post by US President Donald Trump sparked backlash for allegedly defending slavery, considered one of the darkest chapters in the US's history. On Monday, Trump criticized the Smithsonian Institutions' museums for highlighting "how bad Slavery was."

Many on social media were quick to interpret the 79-year-old's post as a defense of slavery, which was abolished in the US on December 18, 1865, under the 13th Amendment. Calling the Smithsonian "out of control," Trump said: “The Museums throughout Washington, but all over the Country are, essentially, the last remaining segment of ‘WOKE’.”

“The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,” he added.

As soon as the post dropped, social media erupted with accusations that the President is trying to defend slavery. The president was widely criticized for allegedly "white washing" America's history.

"Trump is angry that the Smithsonian Museum talks about how bad slavery was, which is a crucial part of American history. He’s now sending his attorneys after the museum. This is what dictators have done throughout history. Wake up, America," Harry Sisson wrote.

Also read: Trump gushes over Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt's ‘greatest relationship’

“Trump says the Smithsonian is ‘out of control’ for discussing ‘how bad slavery was.’ Insane,” the account, Republican Against Trump, wrote.

"Trump is mad that the Smithsonian is talking about 'how bad slavery was." That's where we're at," popular YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen wrote on X.

"Trump: All the Smithsonian does is “discuss how bad slavery was.” So now he wants to force them to discuss how “good” slavery was?" former GOP Congressman Joe Walsh wrote on X.

"why doesn't the Smithsonian talk more about how the upsides of slavery?" Aaron Rupar said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.