Trump has a frightening new plan: "cleaning" up zoos

Since his return to power, Donald Trump has waged a relentless campaign against wokeism. On March 28, he tasked his vice president, J.D. Vance, with the mission to “clean” the Smithsonian Institution of “any inappropriate ideology”.

This directive concerns research centres, libraries, museums… and zoos. As reported by the outlet Demotivateur, the Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846, is a vast cultural and scientific complex known for its editorial, museographic, pedagogical, and educational activities. The complex includes 21 libraries, 21 museums, 14 research and educational centers, as well as a zoo located in Washington D.C.

Instilling pride in the hearts of Americans

For the National Museum of American History or the one dedicated to African-American history and other institutions, the American president's instructions are quite clear: all “divisive” or “race-focused” ideologies must be replaced with content intended to “inspire pride in the hearts of all Americans”.

And for the zoo? The expression “any inappropriate ideology” remains rather vague in this context, as no details have been provided on the nature of the changes to be made. To shed light on these ambiguities, a journalist from the outlet The Atlantic decided to embark on an extensive tour of the zoo to identify what might potentially offend Trump. Certain signs could be targeted.

Signs in Spanish, climate murals, excessively colourful demonstrations

As he passed the turkey enclosure, the journalist noticed a message concerning hunting practices respectful of indigenous populations, opposing those of European settlers who nearly led to the species' extinction, as noted by Demotivateur. The presence of signs written in both English and Spanish could also pose a problem for the White House.

Additionally, the journalist highlighted posters authored by the former zoo director, Steve Monfort, stating that the human population growth, from 1 billion to 8 billion people over two centuries, has “made life difficult for wildlife”. Statements that the Trump administration might view as anti-natalist.

A climate mural promoting waste collection and solar energy, the organization of an International Family Equality Day in 2024..., may also be potential targets.

Aside from that, all the messages and works displayed by this Washington D.C. zoo remain relatively neutral.

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Demotivateur - Illustration: ©Unsplash)