What's happened
The National Park Service (NPS) has restored its Underground Railroad webpage after unauthorized edits removed references to slavery and altered historical context. The changes sparked backlash from civil rights advocates and politicians, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, who accused the Trump administration of attempting to whitewash history.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Edits
The edits to the NPS webpage reflect a larger trend under the Trump administration aimed at reshaping historical narratives. This effort has included:
- Removal of Key Figures: Tubman's image was replaced with postage stamps emphasizing cooperation between races, diminishing her role.
- Altered Descriptions: The original text highlighting resistance to enslavement was changed to focus on civil rights, obscuring the brutal realities of slavery.
Political Implications
The backlash from civil rights leaders and politicians indicates a significant public concern over historical accuracy. Senator Chris Van Hollen's comments underscore fears of a systematic attempt to erase uncomfortable truths from American history. This situation raises questions about:
- Government Accountability: Who authorized these changes, and what does it say about oversight in federal agencies?
- Public Response: The swift restoration of the webpage suggests that public outcry can influence government actions, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in preserving historical integrity.
Future Considerations
As the Trump administration continues to push for changes in federal narratives, it is likely that similar controversies will arise. The public must remain vigilant to ensure that history is accurately represented and that the contributions of figures like Harriet Tubman are not diminished.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, NPS spokeswoman Rachel Pawlitz stated, 'Changes to the Underground Railroad page on the National Park Service’s website were made without approval from NPS leadership nor Department leadership.' This admission highlights a lack of oversight within the agency. The New York Times noted that the edits were part of a broader trend of removing references to diversity and inclusion from government websites, with similar incidents reported across various federal agencies. Senator Van Hollen's remarks, as reported by AP News, emphasize the political ramifications of these changes, accusing the administration of attempting to 'whitewash' history. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., also condemned the edits, calling them 'an attack on truth.' These contrasting perspectives illustrate the contentious nature of historical representation in contemporary politics.
How we got here
In early 2025, the NPS made unauthorized edits to its Underground Railroad webpage, removing images of Harriet Tubman and references to slavery. These changes coincided with broader efforts by the Trump administration to revise federal narratives on diversity and inclusion.
Go deeper
- What specific changes were made to the webpage?
- How did the public react to the edits?
- What does this mean for historical representation?
Common question
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Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and political activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activis
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The National Park Service is an agency of the Federal government of the United States that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Bernice Albertine King is an American minister and the youngest child of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. She was five years old when her father was assassinated.
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Christopher J. Van Hollen Jr. is an American politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Maryland since January 3, 2017. From 2003 to 2017 he served as the U.S. Representative for Maryland's 8th congressional district. He is a member of th
