Trump’s Anti-DEI Purge Hits Harriet Tubman and Underground Railroad

The Trump administration has made controversial changes to the National Park Service's webpage on the Underground Railroad, removing a picture of Harriet Tubman and altering language from “enslaved African Americans” to “enslaved workers.” Additionally, a section mentioning Benjamin Franklin as a slave owner was removed. This has sparked criticism as Tubman, born into slavery in 1822, is renowned for her pivotal role in helping 70 enslaved individuals escape through the Underground Railroad and her service as a scout and spy for the Union Army. The administration's actions have been defended by an NPS spokesperson who argues that extensive resources are still available to honor Tubman's legacy, dismissing the edits as inconsequential to the broader commitment to recounting complex historical narratives.
These actions align with the administration's broader agenda outlined in the Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History executive order, which seeks to eliminate narratives that portray the U.S. in a negative light, framing them as part of a war on “woke” culture. This policy has also been linked to the reinstatement of Confederate statues previously removed in 2020, as part of efforts to reshape historical memory. The changes have raised concerns about historical revisionism and the implications of softening language related to the country's history of racism and slavery, suggesting a potential shift in how history is presented to the public.
RATING
The article addresses a timely and controversial topic, focusing on changes made by the Trump administration to the National Park Service's portrayal of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. While it effectively communicates the main issues and engages with significant public interest topics, the story's accuracy and balance could be improved with more diverse sourcing and clearer evidence for its claims. The article's potential to influence public opinion and provoke debate is significant, given the charged nature of the subject matter. However, the lack of transparency and limited perspective range may affect its overall credibility and depth of analysis.
RATING DETAILS
The story presents several claims that require verification. The removal of Harriet Tubman's picture and changes in language on the National Park Service's webpage are central claims. The story accurately describes Tubman's historical contributions, such as her role in the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. However, the claim about the executive order directing Vice President JD Vance to remove content portraying the U.S. negatively is questionable, as JD Vance is not known to have held that position. Additionally, while the story suggests a broader agenda by the Trump administration to alter historical narratives, specific details and evidence supporting this claim are not thoroughly presented.
The article primarily presents a critical perspective on the Trump administration's actions, suggesting an agenda to downplay certain historical narratives. It includes a response from an NPS spokesperson, which adds some balance by offering a defense of the changes made. However, the article heavily leans towards a negative portrayal of the administration's motives, potentially omitting other viewpoints that could provide a more nuanced understanding of the changes. The lack of perspectives from historians or other experts on the implications of these changes further skews the balance.
The article is generally clear in its presentation of the main issues, such as the changes to the NPS webpage and the historical significance of Harriet Tubman. The language is straightforward, and the structure logically follows the progression of the story. However, the tone is somewhat accusatory, which may affect the perceived neutrality of the piece.
The article cites The Washington Post and The Hill, which are reputable sources, but it does not provide direct links or detailed attributions to these reports. The reliance on a singular spokesperson from the NPS as the primary counterpoint to the article's claims limits the diversity of sources. There is also a lack of direct quotes or references from historians or experts in American history, which could lend greater credibility to the analysis of the changes.
The article lacks transparency in its sourcing, as it does not provide direct links to the original reports or the executive order mentioned. The basis for some claims, such as the administration's broader agenda, is not clearly explained or supported with evidence. More context about the methodology of the changes to the NPS webpage and the specific content of the executive order would enhance transparency.
Sources
- https://www.blackenterprise.com/national-park-service-revisionist-history-underground-railroad/
- https://thegrio.com/2025/04/07/harriet-tubman-removed-from-the-national-park-services-webpage-for-the-underground-railroad/
- https://abc7.com/post/national-parks-service-removes-reference-harriet-tubman-underground-railroad-website/16138939/
- https://www.whatimreading.net/p/trump-national-park-service-harriet-tubman-underground-railroad
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