Jamie Raskin proposes Smithsonian exhibit of Trump-era artifacts

Representative Jamie Raskin has introduced the ‘Preserving and Remembering the History of Trump and other Tyrants Act’, which would require the Smithsonian Institution to collect and exhibit artifacts related to the presidency of Donald Trump. The legislation aims to create a permanent exhibition at the National Museum of American History featuring items that Raskin describes as reflecting ‘the rise of government propaganda, corruption, and authoritarianism’.

Proposed items for collection include large banners featuring Trump’s image displayed on federal buildings, media footage, and accounts from individuals who opposed his administration. Raskin stated the goal is to ensure future generations can study these methods to ‘avoid repeating this descent into authoritarianism’.

The bill comes in response to a recent order from Trump directing the Department of the Interior to place signage outside the National Museum of American History warning visitors about the ‘personal, radical ideologies’ of curators. Raskin’s legislation would also mandate that the National Park Service remove any such signage installed without Congressional approval.