1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The Smithsonian Institution plays a vital role in preserving and sharing our nation's history, cultural heritage, and scientific knowledge. President Trump's executive order to censor and manipulate the historical narratives presented by the Smithsonian is an alarming affront to academic freedom, historical accuracy, and our shared democratic values. This order represents a blatant attempt to whitewash uncomfortable truths and promote a distorted, one-sided view of American history that ignores the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities. It undermines the Smithsonian's mission to educate the public through fact-based exhibitions and programs grounded in rigorous research and scholarly expertise. Falsifying or erasing parts of our nation's history is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes, not a free and open society. We cannot allow this dangerous precedent to stand. The Smithsonian must remain an independent institution, free from political interference and censorship. Preserving the full, nuanced historical record - both its triumphs and failings - is essential for fostering a more informed, empathetic, and just society. I urge you to take immediate action to rescind this misguided executive order and safeguard the Smithsonian's integrity as a trusted source of historical truth. Defending the rights to free inquiry, academic freedom, and open discourse is crucial for upholding the democratic principles our nation was founded upon.