CBS host drops reality check on those accusing Trump of wanting to erase history of slavery

CBS News host Tony Dokoupil issued a reality check on Wednesday to those accusing President Donald Trump of wanting to erase or downplay the history of slavery.

Trump stated in a Truth Social post on Tuesday that the Smithsonian Institution focused too much on slavery and other negative aspects of U.S. history rather than the “brightness” of the nation, sparking backlash among many in the corporate media. Dokoupil said on “CBS Mornings” that Trump was simply arguing that learning U.S. history should bring people together and give Americans “something to be incredibly proud of.”

“American history shouldn’t be a thing of reverence. The country is not above critique,” Dokoupil said. “But we shouldn’t look at our history with contempt, either. And there is some room for correction back toward the middle. And in fact, Lonnie Bunch, who runs the Smithsonian, in a letter there, [Brunch and Trump are] saying quite the same things. The mission of the Smithsonian is to forge a shared history, a shared future, not just context, but hope to lead the country and communities together. That’s essentially what Donald Trump is offering here.”

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Dokoupil said that Americans should walk out of the Smithsonian feeling the sense that the world is “better off” because of the “existence of America.”

“In American history, what you are describing, that journey toward greatness is very real and we all have something to be incredibly proud of,” Dokoupil continued. “If you ask someone, is the world better off because of the existence of America and its people, to me, the answer is unquestionably yes.”

“CBS Mornings” co-host Vladimir Duthiers responded that Americans should not “whitewash” its history, prompting Dokoupil to argue that there is no need to sugarcoat U.S. history in order for Americans to be proud of their country.

As part of preparations for America 250, the White House told the Smithsonian to adjust any content that is problematic in “tone, historical framing and alignment with American ideals” within 120 days in an Aug. 12 letter. The administration is striving for the national museums to “reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story.”

Trump’s move on the Smithsonian was made through his March 28 executive order, which directs federal agencies to restore any monument removed from any museums, nationals parks and memorials under former President Joe Biden’s administration.

The political left has removed several statues and memorials of famous figures, including Christopher Columbus and Confederate general Robert E. Lee.

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