Trump Administration Reviews National Park Materials for Bias

The Trump administration has initiated a review of materials at federal parks that employees have flagged as potentially “disparaging” to Americans. This review comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at ensuring that public property does not contain content deemed inappropriate or negative regarding the portrayal of American history.

In March 2023, Trump directed the Department of the Interior to “restore truth and sanity to American history.” The directive emphasizes a focus on the achievements and progress of the American people, as well as the beauty of the nation’s landscapes. As part of this initiative, the Department of the Interior has set a deadline of July 18, 2023, for the National Park Service to identify any materials that may not align with the new standards.

The public has also been encouraged to participate in this review process. According to Elizabeth Peace, spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, “As we carry out this directive, we’ll be evaluating all signage in the park along with the public feedback we’ve received.” The agency plans to remove or cover signs that do not comply with the executive order, with the intention of reinstating them once appropriate modifications are made. The removal of “inappropriate” signage is expected to be completed by September 17, 2023, according to reports.

Examples of Flagged Materials Across the Nation

Several specific materials have been highlighted for review. For instance, in North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a sign titled “The Air We Breathe” was flagged due to its discussion of climate change and pollution. The sign notes that human-caused ozone pollution poses threats to health and vegetation. An employee expressed concern that the messaging about climate change and sea level rise could detract from the park’s focus on its natural beauty.

In South Carolina, a gift shop at the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site has been scrutinized for selling books, including Harriet Jacobs’ “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.” Similar materials were flagged at the Washington Monument, where discussions of George Washington as a slave owner were also deemed questionable. In Pennsylvania’s Independence National Historical Park, accounts of the brutal realities of enslavement were subjected to review, prompting further debate over the portrayal of historical events.

Controversial History of Native American Relations

The review also extends to sensitive historical topics related to Native American relations. At Sitka National Historical Park in Alaska, a panel discussing the forced removal of Alaska Natives and the destruction of their culture was flagged for its language. The text outlines a series of actions that aimed to erase the cultural identity of the Indigenous peoples, raising questions about how these stories are presented.

In Florida’s Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a panel discussing the imprisonment of Plains Indians has been marked for review. Concerns were raised about language implying that tribes faced a choice of extinction or assimilation, which some employees felt could be disparaging to the United States.

Another employee noted that materials presented at Everglades National Park could be interpreted as critical of America’s industrial development, suggesting that discussions on urbanization and agriculture might undermine the narrative of progress.

This initiative has sparked a broader conversation about the representation of complex historical narratives in national parks. The Department of the Interior’s approach aims to balance an accurate portrayal of American history with a focus on its achievements and beauty, but it raises questions about how history is interpreted and shared with the public.

As the review progresses, the implications of these changes will continue to unfold, influencing how future generations engage with the nation’s history.