Recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of historical figures who were also flawed seems to be a bridge too far for a certain sector of Americans. Perhaps holding on to slavery as the most important aspect of American history appeals to those inclined to catastrophism. Also at play is an impulse to reduce the great people from the past so that we, not so accomplished, are superior to the formerly great. Whatever the psychology, refusing to be amazed by the past, especially the American Founding, is widespread among those who interpret history in classrooms and at national parks.
Donald Trump might be the wrong person to correct those who interpret American history for a living. At the same time, the prejudice against American exceptionalism is so pervasive that the only remedy may be an intervention by the most powerful executive in the free world.
D. G. Hart | “The Prejudice of American Historians” | November 25, 2025
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Darryl Hart
D. G. Hart teaches history at Hillsdale College. He is has written biographies of J. Gresham Machen, John Williamson Nevin, H. L. Mencken, and Benjamin Franklin. He is an elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and lives in Michigan with his wife, Ann.
More by Darryl Hart ›
Thanks very much for this article. I guess the point of conflict is “who gets to define ‘Americans’?”. In Brazil we have a similar problem, most liberal historians and intellectuals argue that the natives are the true Brazilians. In this perspective, if true Americans are the natives, here we call them “índios”, then, their history hasn’t been the one of conquering, but rather of being conquered.
João de Sousa Luz
João,
Well, if we want to go back far enough there are no native Americans since the Indian/Natives came across on the Bering Strait.
As to a history of being conquered, the variations among the native tribes in the New World was considerable. There was plenty of bloodshed between when the European settlers came West.
Thank you Dr. Clark for your view on the subject. I found it difficult to analyze history in this regard. Do you or the HRA have recommendations or a resource page on natural history? It would be very welcome.
On the second paragraph I believe you’re exactly right. Slavery, for example, was not exclusively a white sin, nor was it alone imposed against african/black people. Some historians point that there was slavery between native tribes in Africa and that some tribes would sell their enemies to the colonizers. Slavery goes back to Greece before Christ, the Roman Empiror, etc.
João de Sousa Luz
You might ask Dr Hart.
Agreed that just because of who he is and the reflexive antipathy those of progressive persuasion hold toward him, Trump will never receive a hearing from those who curate these historical site displays. But as Hart observes, how do you correct someone who views any return to balance, nuance, taking-all-things-into-consideration, and accuracy as “overcorrection” and “whitewashing” American history? It is not the case these progressive curators are interested in giving people the whole story. Rather, they want to portray American history in its worst light so as to prejudice young minds against it, building support for their preferred socialist overhaul.
If trump was able to have his way, the historical site displays would look like the president plaques he recently orchestrated – … [edited]