A federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered the Trump administration to restore exhibits removed from national parks and monuments, blocking further removals while legal challenges proceed.
U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley issued a preliminary injunction directing the Interior Department to reverse recent changes to displays at federal sites. The order came after the Trump administration removed or altered exhibits following an executive order aimed at what officials described as restoring accuracy to American history.
What Led to the Ruling
In late March, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to remove what the administration characterized as partisan ideology from museums, parks and historic landmarks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum subsequently instructed the department to review and eliminate displays he described as “improper partisan ideology.”
The removals included an exhibit at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia discussing George Washington’s enslaved people and signage at Fort Sumter National Monument addressing climate change impacts. The administration said the changes aligned with the order’s goal of emphasizing American greatness.
The Court Decision
Judge Kelley, appointed to the federal bench by former President Joe Biden in 2021, ruled that the administration’s actions could constitute censorship and set a “dangerous precedent.” She directed the Interior Department to submit weekly status reports detailing restoration progress.
The Interior Department responded that it would explore appeal options, calling Kelley a “liberal activist judge” in a statement. The agency said it disagreed with the ruling and continued to support the executive order’s objectives.
What Comes Next
The preliminary injunction remains in effect while the legal challenge continues through the courts. The case has become part of broader debates over how American history is presented and interpreted at federal sites.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Desk contributed to this report.
