Donald Trump sparks outrage with post seen as defending slavery

A new social media post by US President Donald Trump has triggered widespread outrage, with many accusing him of downplaying or even defending slavery — one of the darkest chapters in America’s history. The controversy erupted on Monday after Trump criticized the Smithsonian Institution for its continued focus on slavery in its exhibits.

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In his post, the 79-year-old Republican leader accused the museum system of being part of what he described as the last bastion of “woke” culture in the United States. “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,” Trump wrote. He went on to argue that the museums in Washington and across the nation spend too much energy revisiting painful episodes of the past rather than celebrating America’s achievements.

The remarks sparked immediate backlash online, with critics arguing that Trump’s comments amounted to a defense of slavery. Many historians and social activists emphasized that slavery — abolished on December 18, 1865, through the ratification of the 13th Amendment — is not just an important historical subject but also central to understanding systemic racism and inequality in modern America.

“Dismissing slavery as just another negative story is deeply offensive and erases the suffering of millions,” wrote one commentator on X (formerly Twitter). Others noted that Trump’s statement reflects a broader political strategy of portraying academic and cultural institutions as hostile to conservative values.

The Smithsonian has not issued a direct response to Trump’s remarks, but its exhibits on slavery and civil rights have long been regarded as crucial educational resources. The institution has repeatedly defended its approach, stating that its role is to present a comprehensive view of American history — both the struggles and the triumphs.

This is not the first time Trump has been accused of making racially insensitive remarks. During his presidency, he frequently clashed with institutions he labeled as “woke” and often criticized discussions on race, slavery, and systemic discrimination. The latest uproar adds to the growing list of controversies surroundings.