Raskin seeks to preserve Trump's D.C. "propaganda" in Smithsonian

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced legislation Wednesday that would direct the Smithsonian to preserve and display artifacts he said reflect the rise of "governmental propaganda" under President Trump. Why it matters: The bill will almost certainly fail in a Republican-controlled Congress. But it could preview how Democrats would scrutinize the president's use of taxpayer dollars to promote his image if they regain control in November. Trump's drive to remake D.C.'s physical and cultural landscape in his image can be seen in banners bearing his face on government buildings and attempts to rebrand institutions with his name. The administration also unveiled a plan last month to post warnings accusing Smithsonian leaders of pushing "personal, radical ideologies." Driving the news: Raskin's bill directs the secretary of the Smithsonian to collect and display Trump's sprawling portraits hung outside of federal agencies at the Museum of American History. It also calls for preserving signage or "artifacts" related to Trump's planned warning signs accusing the museum of "Ideological Capture." The proposed new exhibit would also include narratives from Americans "who resisted and opposed the rise in authoritarianism." It also calls for signage stating, in part, "Donald Trump ordered the installation of these signs without any Congressional authorization as required by the Constitution." What they're saying: "Unlike President Trump's project of censoring, whitewashing and fictionalizing American history, my legislation will forever preserve his manifestations of authoritarian narcissism and his propagandistic assault on American history and American democracy," Raskin said in a statement. The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Catch up quick: The Smithsonian has been caught in the crosshairs of the president's D.C. residency and his government-wide DEI purge that has targeted so-called "woke ideology." Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced his retirement after more than three decades at the world's largest museum, education and research complex. What's next: The Smithsonian's next leader will likely helm the institution through continued pressure under Trump — and through the fallout that follows. Go deeper: Lonnie Bunch is leaving. The fight over the Smithsonian isn't

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