Governor Shapiro Stands Against Trump Administration's Efforts to Review and Remove Slavery Exhibits from Independence National Historical Park

Strategic Insights -

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took a strong stance on Tuesday against the Trump administration's review of exhibits related to slavery at Independence National Historical Park. The move, part of the administration's effort to restrict content that reflects negatively on the United States, is seen as an attempt to rewrite history and silence uncomfortable truths. Shapiro emphasized the importance of preserving the nation's history, particularly the difficult aspects, to learn from the past and move forward. The governor's comments come in response to a recent Inquirer story that revealed over a dozen displays about slavery during the founding of America were flagged for review at the park. The exhibits, which include a powerful tribute to the paradox of liberty and slavery at the President's House Site, are at risk of being removed or altered due to Trump's executive order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump administration has launched a review of exhibits related to slavery at Independence National Historical Park, which could result in the removal or alteration of content that "inappropriately disparages Americans past or living."
  • Over a dozen displays about slavery during the founding of America were flagged for review at the park, including exhibits at the President's House Site, which was once the home of Presidents George Washington and John Adams.
  • The exhibits in question include a memorial to the people Washington enslaved and a tribute to the paradox of liberty and slavery in a budding American nation.
  • Governor Josh Shapiro has come out in opposition to the Trump administration's review, stating that "protecting our history is about telling the truth, even when it is uncomfortable."
  • Shapiro's comments highlight the importance of preserving the nation's history, particularly the difficult aspects, to learn from the past and move forward.
  • The review comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States next year, an event that is likely to focus attention on Independence Park and its exhibits.
  • The National Park Service (NPS) employees tasked with reviewing the exhibits were asked to flag displays that "inappropriately disparage Americans past or living."
  • Governor Shapiro has previously spoken out against Trump's policies, including Medicaid cuts, and has also sued the administration over unlawfully defunding Planned Parenthood.

Statistics:

  • 12+ exhibits about slavery during the founding of America were flagged for review at Independence National Historical Park.
  • The review was prompted by an executive order from President Trump, which called for the Interior Department to "ensure" no public-facing content at national parks that "inappropriately disparages Americans past or living."
  • 2010: The exhibit on slavery at the President's House Site was opened, funded by city and federal dollars.
  • 2015: The President's House Site was transferred to NPS ownership.
  • 2024: Governor Shapiro joined Pennsylvania Republicans in pushing back against a proposal from NPS to permanently remove a statue of William Penn.

Sources:

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Trump administration reviewing exhibits about slavery at Independence Park," by [Author], June 2025.
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Governor Shapiro sues Trump administration over Medicaid cuts," by [Author], June 2025.
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC, "Philadelphia Inquirer," distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC, [No Date].