Slavery, discrimination, history: the Trump administration removes dozens of exhibits from American national parks

The President's Administration Donald Trump The government has removed at least 51 exhibits from 37 U.S. national parks and monuments under an executive order targeting content that the White House says "inappropriately denigrates Americans of yesterday or today." This decision has sparked intense controversy and is now the subject of a legal battle.

According to an inventory submitted to the federal court, the removals affected several major historical sites across the United States. Among the most notable examples is the removal, at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, of an exhibit that alluded to the fact that George Washington, the first American president, owned slaves.

The case took a legal turn after a complaint was filed by organizations representing environmentalists, historians, and scientists working in national parks. These groups accuse the administration of violating laws governing the management and educational mission of the National Park Service.

Last Friday, Federal Judge Angel Kelley ruled that the government was conducting an illegal attempt to "rewrite the country's history with correction fluid." She ordered the removal of the exhibits to be reinstated before July 3, the day before the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

The Trump administration is contesting this decision. In a document filed with the court, it argues that reinstating all the affected exhibits within such a short timeframe would represent a "Herculean and unmanageable task." The government is therefore requesting a stay of the court order pending the review of its appeal.

Beyond the legal dispute, this case reignites the debate on how American history should be presented to the public. Between those who wish to highlight the glorious aspects of the nation's past and those who believe it is essential to also address the darkest episodes, the question continues to deeply divide the country as it approaches a symbolic anniversary of its independence.