By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Interior Department said all interpretive signage in national parks was under review as President Donald Trump’s administration attempts to reshape public spaces and museums in a way that rights advocates say could undo decades of social progress.
The Washington Post reported late on Monday that the Trump administration has ordered the removal of signs and exhibits related to slavery at multiple national parks, including a historic photograph of a formerly enslaved man showing scars on his back.
The National Park Service is a part of the Interior Department. Interpretive signs in national parks and other areas provide written and visual information about their history and cultural heritage.
Civil rights advocates say the Trump administration is undermining the acknowledgment of critical phases of American history.
Trump suggested last month he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution – a premier museum, education and research complex for U.S. history and culture – just like he has pressured colleges and universities by threatening to cut federal funding.
In a social media post on August 19, Trump complained about what he called excessive focus on “how bad Slavery was.”
“In accordance with Secretary’s Order No. 3431, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, all interpretive signage in national parks is under review,” the Interior Department said late on Monday.
It added, however, that the Washington Post’s report was driving what it called a “false narrative,” without elaborating.
Trump has accused the Smithsonian of spreading “anti-American ideology.”
The White House has said it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums. Most of the museums of the Smithsonian – which was established in 1846 and includes 21 museums and galleries and the National Zoo – are in Washington.
Trump has made threats to cut federal funding of educational institutions over pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel’s war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in WashingtonEditing by Marguerita Choy)
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