Comedian and political commentator W. Kamau Bell criticized former President Donald Trump’s reported plan to create a National Garden of American Heroes at the Smithsonian Institution. Bell characterized this move as an authoritarian tactic, stating, “This is how authoritarians operate.” The National Garden was proposed by Trump in his final days in office, intended to honor prominent Americans through statues. However, the Biden administration has since put this plan on hold pending further review.

The National Garden of American Heroes was part of Trump’s broader executive order to establish a task force for building and rebuilding monuments. This initiative aimed to celebrate individuals from American history, such as Founding Fathers, civil rights leaders, and inventors. Critics like Bell have raised concerns about the potential for political bias in selecting figures to be honored, as well as the exclusion of diverse voices in shaping the national narrative.

Proponents of the National Garden argue that it serves to preserve and promote American heritage and values. While the project remains in limbo, its future direction under the Biden administration is uncertain. The White House has not provided specific details on whether the plan will be completely scrapped or modified. The issue underscores the ongoing debate over public monuments and historical representation in the United States.

Legal experts note that decisions regarding public monuments often involve complex considerations of historical accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and democratic principles. The controversy surrounding the National Garden reflects broader tensions within American society over how to memorialize figures from the past. As the Biden administration navigates this issue, the fate of Trump’s proposed project hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution that balances competing perspectives on national identity and memory.