WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior is threatening disciplinary action against staff members who leaked internal documents showing how the Trump administration intended to alter historical narratives at national park locations across the country.
The leaked government database, initially covered by the Washington Post and published on public websites Monday, exposed extensive plans by the Trump administration to modify or eliminate content related to African-American history, LGBT rights, climate change, and other subjects at hundreds of national park facilities.
A spokesperson for the Interior Department dismissed the revelations, stating: “The narrative being advanced is false and these draft, deliberative internal documents are not a representation of final action taken by the department.” The National Park Service operates under Interior Department oversight.
President Trump has made targeting cultural and historical venues – including museums, monuments, and national parks – a priority in his effort to eliminate what he describes as “anti-American” ideology.
These directives and executive actions have resulted in the removal of slavery-related exhibits, the restoration of Confederate monuments, and other measures that civil rights organizations argue could undo decades of advancement.
The Interior Department spokesperson claimed the internal working papers were manipulated in a misleading manner prior to their public release. The spokesperson further characterized the leak as both inappropriate and unlawful, though did not cite which specific statute was allegedly broken.
“Employees who altered internal records and leaked in an effort to hurt the Trump administration will be held accountable,” the spokesperson stated.
The current administration has worked to suppress internal opposition within federal agencies and has taken disciplinary measures against workers who have spoken out against its initiatives.
In recent months, several Federal Emergency Management Agency staff members were placed on administrative leave following their signatures on a public letter criticizing agency leadership, while certain Environmental Protection Agency workers faced termination after signing a letter condemning government actions.
