In Trump’s New Confederacy, Slavery Wasn’t Sin

October 27, 2025

The article describes far-right Christian nationalist Joshua Haymes' recent statements defending slavery as "not inherently evil," connecting these views to Donald Trump's administration and its efforts to censor historical exhibits about slavery. According to the article, Trump has directed the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution to remove exhibits that "disparage" America's founders by mentioning slavery, including removing historical images showing the physical effects of slavery. The article further links these actions to a broader movement of white Christian nationalism, citing examples of racist comments from young Republican groups and arguing this represents a coordinated effort to rewrite history and suppress truths about America's past.

Who is affected

Black Americans and descendants of enslaved people
Museum visitors and the general public seeking historical education
Historians and curators at the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution
Staff at historical sites like Fort Pulaski and the President's House in Philadelphia
Michelle Flamer, Michael Coard, and others who created historical exhibits about slavery
The American public's understanding of national history

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is directing the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution to remove exhibits that mention slavery or "disparage" America's founders
Historical images showing slavery's brutality are being removed from exhibits, including at Fort Pulaski in Georgia
Panels describing George Washington's enslavement of people at the President's House in Philadelphia are being "reviewed" or removed
Far-right Christian nationalists are publicly defending slavery as biblically justified
Trump has promised to send lawyers to "go through museums" to cleanse content about slavery

Why it matters

The censorship represents an attempt to erase uncomfortable truths about America's history with slavery
It establishes a precedent for government control over historical narratives in public institutions
The connection between political power and religious extremism presents concerns about separation of church and state
Historical accuracy and educational integrity at national museums and historical sites are being compromised
The article suggests these actions reflect a broader movement toward white Christian nationalism that threatens equality and truth
It represents a challenge to efforts to acknowledge America's complex racial history

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

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