CNN’s Scott Jennings defended President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the Smithsonian, arguing that slavery should not be viewed as the singular defining issue of American history. During a broadcast of “NewsNight,” host Abby Phillip criticized Trump’s plan to review content at Smithsonian museums for what he called “woke” narratives. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been.” His remarks highlight a frustration with what he sees as an overwhelming focus on America’s past mistakes rather than its achievements.
Phillip opened the discussion by acknowledging that slavery is an undeniable part of America’s history, calling it “the nation’s original sin.” This perspective was echoed by Jennifer Wright Rigueur, a political history professor, who claimed Trump was attempting to “whitewash” history, suggesting that he aimed for a narrative that avoids discomfort. Jennings, however, offered a counterpoint, stating he believes Trump does not want to erase slavery from museum discussions. Rather, he suggests asking if the U.S. should be defined by its darkest moments or by how the nation has progressed since overcoming those injustices.
Jennings articulated this stance by asking whether the country’s identity should focus on its failures or celebrate its journey to becoming an exceptional nation. He emphasized that while slavery is one of the darkest chapters in American history, the country should also recognize the sacrifices made to abolish it. This perspective serves to remind viewers that America did indeed confront its past, fighting a devastating war to end slavery and establish a new path forward.
The panel’s discussion further explored the shift in how race-related topics are covered by the media. Batya Ungar-Sargon pointed to a substantial increase in mentions of “white supremacy” in outlets like The Washington Post and NPR, suggesting a media-driven obsession that distorts reality. According to her, this focus overshadows the broader narrative of progress and freedom that America represents.
Jennings concluded with a reminder: the founding generation made significant strides in combating slavery long before other nations, having enacted laws that began the difficult journey toward civil rights. Such historical milestones remind us of America’s unique contributions to the global pursuit of liberty.
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