Trump threatens Smithsonian museums in escalating assaults on social media

[ad_1] U.S. President Donald Trump recommended on Tuesday he'll stress the Smithsonian Establishment — a premier museum, training and analysis advanced for American historical past and tradition — to simply accept his calls for, similar to he did with schools and universities by threatening to chop federal funding.

"I've instructed my attorneys to undergo the Museums, and begin the very same course of that has been performed with Faculties and Universities the place super progress has been made," Trump mentioned on his Reality Social platform.

The Smithsonian, which was established in 1846 and contains 21 museums and galleries and the Nationwide Zoo, didn't instantly reply to a request for remark. Most of its museums are in Washington, D.C.

When requested if Trump would threaten funding cuts to the Smithsonian primarily based on the findings, a White Home official mentioned, "President Trump will discover all choices and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and maintain them accountable."

The White Home mentioned final week it would lead an inside assessment of some Smithsonian museums after Trump earlier this 12 months accused it of spreading "anti-American ideology" and raised alarm amongst civil rights advocates.

"The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, the place every little thing mentioned is how horrible our Nation is, how dangerous Slavery was, and the way unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing concerning the Future," Trump wrote on Reality Social.

The Smithsonian receives most of its funds from the U.S. Congress however is unbiased of the federal government in decision-making. Civil rights advocates say Trump's administration is undoing a long time of social progress and undermining the acknowledgement of important phases of American historical past.

Trump has made threats to chop federal funding of prime U.S. instructional establishments, citing pro-Palestinian protests towards U.S. ally Israel's battle in Gaza, transgender insurance policies, local weather initiatives and variety, fairness and inclusion applications.

Final month, the federal government settled its probes with Columbia College, which agreed to pay $221 million US, and Brown College, which mentioned it would pay $50 million US. Each establishments accepted sure authorities calls for. Talks to settle with Harvard College are ongoing.