Government Control Compared to ‘1984’ [Video]

On Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, a ruling from a federal judge included references concerning a warning of government control while ordering the Trump administration to return a long-standing slavery exhibit from a popular historical museum in Philadelphia.

US District Judge Cynthia Rufe granted the request from the City of Philadelphia to restore the exhibit panels to Independence National Historical Park while litigation continues. She noted in her ruling that Congress passed legislation that “specifically limited” the authority of the Interior Department to “unilaterally alter or control” the park.

“The government can convey a different message without restraint elsewhere if it so pleases, but it cannot do so to the President’s House until it follows the law and consults with the City,” wrote Rufe. During a hearing in January, the judge warned lawyers for the Department of Justice saying their statements about Trump officials choosing which parts of U.S. history to display at National Park Service sites was “dangerous” and “horrifying.”

The judge did not offer a timeline for the restoration of the exhibit and federal officials can appeal the ruling.

‘1984’ References in Ruling

“As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s 1984 now existed, with its motto ‘Ignorance is Strength,’ this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims–to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts. It does not,” stated Judge Rufe, referring to the famous novel, which discusses themes of oppression and rigid government control.

‘Whitewashing’ American History

The Trump administration has ramped up efforts to “purge cultural institutions of materials that conflict with the president’s views ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in July,” according to CNN.

President of the Philadelphia City Council Kenyatta Johnson celebrated the ruling in a social media post, “Black history is American history, and we won’t let Trump erase our story,” as he continues to use government control to write an alternative narrative.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, (D-PA), previously referred to the removal of the slavery exhibit as the White House “whitewashing” history.

In March, Trump signed an executive order accusing the Biden administration of “advancing corrosive ideology.” This order specifically cited Independence Park and the Interior secretary was told to remove contents that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.” Trump stated the order was “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at museums, landmarks, and parks across the nation.

Additionally, the Trump administration launched a review of Smithsonian museums and exhibits in an effort to remove anything considered to be “anti-American propaganda” through government control.

In December, officials with the White House wrote a letter to the Smithsonian: “The American people will have no patience for any museum that is diffident about America’s founding or otherwise uncomfortable conveying a positive view of American history, one which is justifiably proud of our country’s accomplishments and record.”

Again, the use of government control in an effort to change the narrative. Both philosopher George Santayana and Winston Churchill warned, “those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Independence National Historical Park

The website for Independence National Historical Park opens to these words from the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal…” Then it continues to discuss the historical relevance of the park. “The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

In the 1790s, the President’s House is where Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived and conducted business. While there, Washington brought nine of his enslaved Africans to live and work with other members of the household while the first President of the United States guided the “experimental development of the young nation toward modern, republican  government,” the park website continues, stating Washington’s large household contrasted with Adams’ small household and noted he did not own slaves.

The website continues, “The President’s house in the 1790s was a mirror of the young republic, reflecting both the ideals and contradictions of the new nation. The house stood in the shadow of Independence Hall, where the words “All men are created equal” and “we the People” were adopted, but they did not apply to all who lived in the new United States of America.”

The exhibit that had been removed by the Trump administration depicted this contrast and the reality of the nation at that time, however, it does not change the narrative the government seems to want to control.

Other Content Removed From Historical Sites

Signage was removed from Grand Canyon National Park stating settlers pushed Native American tribes “off their land” for the park to be established and “exploited” the landscape for mining and grazing, according to AP News.

A rainbow flag was removed at the Stonewall National Monument. This memorial commemorated bar patrons who rebelled against a police raid and catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. References to transgender people has been removed from the website by the Trump administration, despite key figures in the uprising being trans women of color, reported AP News.

Written by Jeanette Vietti

Sources:

CNN: Citing Orwell’s ‘1984,’ judge orders Trump administration to return slavery exhibits removed from Philadelphia museum
Al Jazeera: Judge orders Trump administration to restore Philadelphia slavery exhibit
AP News: Trump administration ordered to restore George Washington slavery exhibit it removed in Philadelphia
National Park Service Website: Independence National Historical Park Pennsylvania

Featured Image Courtesy of Adam Fagen’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License