Trump asks Smithsonian to install ‘Colossus statue’ of George Washington with exhibit
Trump, again trying to curate museum, says exhibit would stay until 2032 for 300th anniversary of Washington ’s birth
TL;DR
- Donald Trump requested a 30ft statue of George Washington and a special exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
- The exhibit was proposed to run until February 2032, marking the 300th anniversary of Washington's birth.
- Trump criticized the Smithsonian for not adequately highlighting Washington's role and victories like the crossing of the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton.
- He suggested replacing the "Center for Restorative History" with a "Center for American Heroes."
- The Smithsonian's independence and the authority of Trump's requests are questioned.
- Trump's administration has previously criticized the museum for its focus on social justice and oppression.
- Other arts and culture initiatives under Trump have included installing a statue of Washington at the Kennedy Center and contemplating selling a painting from the State Department.
- Statues have been a recurring theme in Trump's efforts to reshape Washington's landscape.