‘CBS Mornings’: Tony Dokoupil Says He Backs Trump’s Controversial Smithsonian Revamp

Tony Dokoupil Supports Trump’s Smithsonian Revamp: A New Vision for American History

On the August 20, 2025 episode of CBS Mornings, journalist Tony Dokoupil expressed his support for President Donald Trump’s controversial initiative to revamp the Smithsonian museums. The plan aims to shift the focus of the Smithsonian’s exhibits toward a more positive portrayal of American history, emphasizing the country’s achievements and exceptionalism while reducing the emphasis on darker chapters such as slavery and systemic injustice.

Dokoupil argued that American history should not be treated as a sacred, untouchable narrative. “American history shouldn’t be a thing of reverence. The country is not above critique,” he said. However, he also cautioned against viewing the nation’s past with contempt. Instead, he advocated for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the triumphs and the flaws of the United States, suggesting there is “some room for correction back toward the middle.”

This perspective aligns with the Smithsonian’s stated mission to “forge a shared history, a shared future,” which Dokoupil noted is echoed in Trump’s vision. He emphasized that the goal is not just to provide historical context but to inspire hope and unity among Americans. “That’s essentially the same language that Donald Trump is offering here,” he said.

The Debate Over How American History Should Be Presented

The discussion on CBS Mornings highlighted the broader debate about how museums and cultural institutions should present American history. While Dokoupil supports the Smithsonian revamp, co-hosts Gayle King and Vladimir Duthiers expressed reservations.

Duthiers argued against what he called “whitewashing” history, emphasizing the importance of confronting the country’s difficult past to foster continuous improvement. “We shouldn’t whitewash who we are and where we came from. And so, that conversation needs to continuously happen so that we continuously get better,” he said.

King echoed the need for expert involvement in the review process, hoping that historians and scholars would guide the Smithsonian’s changes. “I don’t think there’s been an overcorrection. I think it’s just putting out the history that’s all part of who we are,” she remarked.

Despite their differing views, Dokoupil praised the conversation as “so healthy and so good,” especially given that it took place during the lead-up to the United States’ 250th anniversary in July 2026.

Background: The Smithsonian Review and Trump’s Directive

Earlier in August 2025, the White House announced a formal review of the Smithsonian Institution, coinciding with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The review is intended to ensure that the Smithsonian’s exhibits align with President Trump’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore public confidence in the country’s cultural institutions.

A letter sent to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III outlined the initiative’s goals, emphasizing the need to highlight the nation’s successes and positive contributions. Trump has publicly criticized the Smithsonian for what he describes as a “woke” agenda, accusing the museums of focusing excessively on negative aspects of American history.

In a Truth Social post dated August 19, 2025, Trump wrote, “Everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future.” He vowed to take legal action to ensure that the Smithsonian and other institutions adopt a more favorable narrative about America’s past.

Implications of the Smithsonian Revamp for American Cultural Institutions

The proposed Smithsonian revamp has sparked a nationwide conversation about the role of museums and cultural institutions in shaping public understanding of history. Supporters argue that emphasizing American exceptionalism can foster national pride and unity, especially during significant milestones like the 250th anniversary.

Critics, however, warn that downplaying the country’s historical injustices risks erasing important lessons and undermining efforts toward social justice. The debate reflects broader cultural tensions over how history should be taught and remembered in an increasingly polarized society.

For the Smithsonian, the challenge lies in balancing these competing perspectives while fulfilling its mission to educate and inspire diverse audiences. The outcome of the review will likely influence how American history is presented to future generations and could set a precedent for other museums and educational institutions.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the Smithsonian Review

As the Smithsonian embarks on this review process, it is expected to involve historians, cultural experts, community leaders, and the public to ensure a comprehensive approach. The goal is to create exhibits that accurately reflect America’s complex history while promoting a hopeful vision for the future.

The conversation sparked by Tony Dokoupil and his CBS Mornings colleagues highlights the importance of open dialogue and critical reflection as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. Whether the Smithsonian’s revamp will satisfy all stakeholders remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment in how America’s story is told.

Conclusion

Tony Dokoupil’s endorsement of President Trump’s controversial Smithsonian revamp underscores the ongoing debate about how American history should be portrayed in national museums. While opinions differ, the shared goal remains to foster a deeper understanding of the nation’s past and inspire hope for its future. As the Smithsonian prepares for its upcoming review, it invites all Americans to engage in this important conversation. Stay informed and join the discussion on the future of America’s cultural heritage by following updates on this evolving story.