The US National Park Service has removed an exhibit on slavery from Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, following an executive order by President Donald Trump targeting “anti-American ideology” in cultural institutions.
The exhibit, located at the President’s House Site where George Washington once resided, highlighted the history of slavery and Washington’s ownership of enslaved people.
Civil rights groups have condemned the move, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to rewrite and whitewash American history.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Trump, saying he will “take any opportunity to rewrite and whitewash our history”.
“The President has directed federal agencies to review interpretive materials to ensure accuracy, honesty, and alignment with shared national values,” the Interior Department stated.
“Following completion of the required review, the National Park Service is now taking action to remove or revise interpretive materials in accordance with the Order”.
Trump’s executive order, issued last year, aimed to combat “a false revision of history”.
He has also criticized the focus on slavery, saying it’s an excessive emphasis on “how bad Slavery was”.
The removal of the exhibit has sparked outrage among civil rights groups, who see it as part of a broader effort to undermine social progress and erase critical phases of American history.
Congressman Brendan Boyle condemned the move, saying, “This is absolutely unacceptable. Philadelphia and the entire country deserve an honest accounting of our history, and this effort to hide it is wrong”.
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