Judge Ruins Trump Admin’s Plans For Orwellian Removal Of Slavery Exhibit The Trump administration sought to fundamentally alter the nation’s culture by downplaying historical atrocities like slavery. This included directing the National Parks Service to remove exhibits that presented a negative view of American history or celebrated marginalized groups. However, a federal judge blocked these efforts, ordering the reinstatement of a slavery exhibit at the President’s House in Philadelphia, ruling that the government cannot erase historical truths.

• The Trump administration attempted to reshape American culture by minimizing historical events such as slavery.
• The administration directed the National Parks Service to remove exhibits, plaques, and films that did not align with their viewpoint or celebrated achievements of non-white, non-Christian, non-heterosexual men.
• Examples include the removal of the pride flag at Stonewall and barring a film about immigrant women workers at Lowell National Historical Park.
• A federal judge ordered the National Parks Service to reinstate an exhibit on slavery in the Philadelphia mansion that served as the presidential residence for George Washington and John Adams.
• The exhibit at The President’s House was intended to commemorate not only presidents but also the nine slaves George Washington brought there.
• The administration’s directive aimed to ensure exhibits ‘do not inappropriately disparage Americans past or living’ and instead focus on ‘greatness and progress’.
• Philadelphia sued the administration, arguing the removal violated agreements for the management of Independence National Historical Park.
• The administration argued for the government’s right to free speech and to align federal properties with its viewpoint.
• US District Judge Cynthia Rufe rejected the administration’s argument, comparing it to Orwell’s 1984 and stating the government does not have the power to disassemble historical truths.
• The judge also found the removal of Oney Judge’s story (Martha Washington’s escaped maid) violated the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998.
• The administration stated they would update exhibits to provide a ‘fuller account’ of slavery, which the author suspects will be a distorted version.