As America marks its 250th anniversary, an urgent question has emerged: Who is responsible for telling America’s story—and what happens when the nation’s most trusted historical institutions begin interpreting the past through the lens of contemporary political activism?
Dr. Ben Carson is joined by Vince Haley, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, for a revealing discussion about the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of American History, and the administration’s review of how American history is being presented to the public.
Haley argues that the museum has moved away from presenting a coherent account of America’s founding, failures, achievements, sacrifices, and ideals—and toward using history as an instrument for activism and social advocacy.
Dr. Carson and Haley discuss:
● Why patriotism appears to be declining
● How historical knowledge shapes national identity
● What the administration found at the Smithsonian
● The difference between teaching difficult history and promoting national despair
● Slavery, abolition, the Civil War, and America’s struggle to fulfill its founding principles
● The forgotten contributions of Black Patriots during the American Revolution
● The influence of faith and the Great Awakening on America’s founding
● DEI, merit, race, and political division
● How museums and schools shape future generations
● What citizens, parents, and grandparents can do to preserve America’s story
History is more than a collection of artifacts and dates. It tells people who they are, where they came from, and what they have the potential to become.