President Trump is Wrong About the Smithsonian

September 19, 2025

The White House under Trump has criticized the Smithsonian Museum of American History for displaying the Immokalee Statue of Liberty, claiming it is "too woke. " This paper-mâché sculpture, created by artist Kat Rodriguez, depicts Lady Liberty holding tomatoes instead of a torch and tablet, commemorating the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' 2000 march for fair wages and dignity. An official White House post specifically objected to this alternate depiction of the Statue of Liberty among other exhibits deemed excessively progressive.

Who is affected

The Smithsonian Museum of American History
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)
Farmworkers, particularly those from Haiti and other immigrant communities
Museum visitors and the public who view these exhibits
Artist Kat Rodriguez, creator of the Immokalee Statue of Liberty

What action is being taken

The White House is publicly criticizing Smithsonian exhibits, including the Immokalee Statue of Liberty, in an official post titled "President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian"
The White House is labeling certain museum exhibits as "too woke" and objecting to their presence
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers continues their social justice work through the Fair Food Program, which connects businesses and workers directly to ensure fair wages and conditions

Why it matters

This represents a clash in how American history and identity are portrayed in public institutions
The criticism challenges recognition of farmworkers' contributions to American society
The dispute highlights tensions around immigration status, with implications for how undocumented farmworkers are treated (as "criminals"/"aliens" vs. contributors)
Language and cultural perspective in public institutions influence policy decisions that affect real lives
According to the article, this is evidence of an authoritarian attempt to control expression and distort community realities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint