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Texas Congresswoman Responds to Trump's Comments on Slavery

Texas Congresswoman Responds to Trump's Comments on Slavery

Opinion | 8/20/2025

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has responded to former President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that the Smithsonian Institution is overly fixated on the negative aspects of slavery. Trump’s comments, made during a recent interview, suggested that the Smithsonian’s focus on slavery’s brutality was excessive.

Crockett, a Democrat representing Texas’s 30th Congressional District, sharply criticized Trump’s remarks, labeling them as insensitive and historically ill-informed. She emphasized the importance of accurately portraying the horrors of slavery to educate current and future generations about the nation’s past.

“The reality is that slavery was a deeply traumatic and abhorrent institution that continues to impact our society today,” Crockett stated. Her remarks underscore the ongoing debate over how history, particularly the darker chapters like slavery, should be presented in educational and cultural institutions.

Historically, the Smithsonian Institution has played a crucial role in preserving and exhibiting artifacts related to American history, including the legacy of slavery. The organization has faced criticism in the past for its handling of sensitive historical subjects, with advocates like Crockett pushing for a more comprehensive and nuanced approach.

While Trump’s comments have sparked controversy, they also highlight differing perspectives on how institutions should address difficult historical truths. The debate surrounding the portrayal of slavery and its implications for contemporary society remains a contentious issue, with stakeholders advocating for a balanced and truthful representation of the past.