Donald Trump wants to replace a work of art at the Smithsonian with a statue of George Washington

Donald Trump wants to honor “America’s greatest hero”. And for that, he does not intend to give a gift to Infinity, a modern art sculpture by New Yorker José de Rivera. The work has stood at the south entrance of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History since 1967. At that time, it was inaugurated by the federal government of Lyndon B. Johnson. But after 69 years of good and loyal service, it no longer seems to suit the current President of the United States. Instead, he wants to install a giant statue of George Washington, “the man who, more than anyone, says everything about America,” he wrote on his Truth social network.

The American leader has already planned everything. He wants to have a first 3.5 meter statue erected by Thursday, the day of commemorations of the signing of the Constitution, in the Flag Hall of the museum. The first stage of a more ambitious plan which will then see the installation of a “colossal” sculpture of George Washington, 9 meters high, in place of the modern work of art by José de Rivera. “This thing says nothing about America,” he declared, also hoping that the museum would inaugurate a “five-year exhibition worthy of the life, sacrifice and contributions of Washington.” A way to celebrate, in 2032, the 300th anniversary of the birth of your idol.

A museum in Donald Trump's sights

Donald Trump is, however, not in a position to order such changes to the cultural institution, which is independent in its governance from the executive power. However, it could rely on the support of its board of directors, which oversees federal funds. His allies include Vice President J.D. Vance and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, John Roberts.

In recent months, on numerous occasions, the American leader has strongly criticized the Smithsonian, which he accuses of not “giving George Washington and the other Founding Fathers the homage they deserve.” He also regretted that the museum was ignoring, in its exhibitions, the episode of “Washington’s heroic crossing of the Delaware on December 25, 1776, one of the most significant moments and a decisive turning point of the Revolution.”

The American president also attacked the Center for Restorative History. A space of the institution which, before its recent dissolution, highlighted “stories that do not appear in the national historical narrative”. Donald Trump believed that “divisive narratives” and “inappropriate ideologies” had no place within these walls and that it was better to create a “Center for American Heroes” which would tell “the stories of those who faced great challenges, overcame them, built great things, made America better and helped the nation fully live up to its founding ideals.” ".

Since his return to the White House, Donald Trump has worked to erase entire sections of American history that do not please him. History of Native Americans, slavery, the fight for social rights or those of minorities, the hidden side of illustrious figures... This year, the executive published a very critical report on the Smithsonian, in which it criticized it for its lack of consideration towards the career of George Washington. Donald Trump also ordered his administration to post signs around the museum to alert visitors that some Smithsonian exhibits are “inaccurate.”