Submitted by Emily Arendt

July 31, 2025

At a time when the Trump Administration is quickly altering public interpretations of history and removing references to the past on websites and public spaces, it is vital that historians keep track of what is changing. The Early Republic Tracker is dedicated to documenting instances where the federal government is removing facts and stories essential to the public’s understanding American history from public historical sites, museums, websites, and executive agencies.

Where/When did the changes take place?

• Discussions are ongoing regarding the suitability of certain books for sale in Department of Interior operated gift shops in locations such as the Washington Monument and Fort Sumter.

What changed?

• National parks employees have flagged books on slavery and Indigenous history for removal from certain sites. Texts such as The 1619 Project and a children’s book on former Interior secretary Deb Haaland are among those under review. Books that include discussion of the history of racism fall under the purview of an executive order issued by President Trump in March that called for the removal of “improper ideology” at National Parks.

Why does the change matter?

• Removing books that offer nuanced perspectives on the American past do a deep disservice to the American public by offering a sanitized and whitewashed rendering of the nation’s past.

Evidence of change?

• “Park gift shops could remove books on slavery and the Civil War,” Washington Post, July 25, 2025.