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Trump White House calls out Smithsonian for pushing ‘one-sided, divisive political narratives’
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EXCLUSIVE: The Trump administration is turning its attention to the Smithsonian Institution, accusing the taxpayer-funded museum complex of using federal dollars to promote what it calls «one-sided, divisive political narratives» that fail to honor the greatness of the American story.
White House official Lindsey Halligan blasted content currently on display at the National Museum of American History’s Entertainment Nation exhibit in an exclusive email to Fox News Digital.
The exhibit, which explores American pop culture, has drawn internal and external criticism for what some see as a politically loaded interpretation of cultural milestones.
«American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country or promote one-sided, divisive political narratives,» Halligan said. «The Smithsonian Institution should present history in a way that is accurate, balanced, and consistent with the values that make the United States of America exceptional.»
DONALD TRUMP FIRES NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY DIRECTOR FOR BEING ‘STRONG SUPPORTER’ OF DEI
C-3PO and R2-D2 costumes are shown at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History with a panel crediting Star Wars for inspiring America during post-Vietnam uncertainty and the Nixon-era scandal. (Fox News Digital)
The White House statement comes on the heels of several striking examples from the exhibit.
One placard, featured alongside a 1923 circus poster, reads: «Under the big top, circuses expressed the colonial impulse to claim dominion over the world.» Another, describing early American entertainment, declares: «One of the earliest defining traits of entertainment in the United States was extraordinary violence.»
The exhibit reframes iconic American characters through a critical, politically-charged lens. On The Lone Ranger, the display states: «The White title character’s relationship with Tonto resembled how the U.S. government imagined itself the world’s Lone Ranger.»
Mickey Mouse, a beloved American cultural icon, is not spared either. A display for the 1928 cartoon Steamboat Willie states, «Mickey challenged authority, but not everyone was in on the joke.»
It continues: «Mickey Mouse debuted as the deckhand ‘Steamboat Willie’ in 1928, amidst a rising anxiety felt by many that modern living and city life were eroding family and community ties and loosening moral codes… But the new character’s outsized facial features, white gloves, and trickster temperament were vestiges of longstanding traditions of blackface minstrelsy.»
In reference to the Indiana Jones film series, another panel reads: «His character embodied a confident righteousness that, in many ways, captured the essence of the 1980s» above another subhead referencing President Ronald Reagan’s famous speech, asking, «Are you better off?»
KENT STATE STUDENT’S VIOLENT ANTI-TRUMP ART DISPLAY SPURS OUTRAGE
A Smithsonian exhibit placard from the National Museum of American History describes 1920s circus performances as expressing «the colonial impulse to claim dominion over the world.» (Fox News Digital)
One panel calls Magnum, P.I. a challenge to the «popular perceptions of Vietnam veterans as damaged misfits.» A section on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show refers to it as «the go-to for viewers who mistrusted politicians and the reporting process.»
Another panel highlights the late pop star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez and frames her cultural impact through identity politics.
«Selena got us talking about identity,» with a quote from the late singer reading, «I feel very proud to be Mexican.»
The text goes on to say her work «cast a light on the longstanding cultural and growing political influence of Mexican American and Latinx communities within the United States.»
«The examples [Fox News Digital] highlighted from the National Museum of American History are part of the problem the Trump Administration aims to fix,» Halligan said. «Framing American culture as inherently violent, imperialist, or racist does not reflect the greatness of our nation or the millions of Americans who have contributed to its progress.»
A display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History explores changing gender norms, featuring Mae West, Judy Garland, and Olympic swimmer Gertrude Ederle. The backdrop includes a quote in English and Spanish: «When I’m bad, I’m better.» (Fox News Digital)
Halligan confirmed that a top-to-bottom content review is already underway, with input from senior Smithsonian leaders and the Board of Regents. «We are working with leadership at the Smithsonian to audit and review all content at the museums,» she said, «and we are committed to ensuring that such content honors our country’s founding principles, tells the stories of American heroes, and does not promote fringe or activist ideologies masquerading as history.»
She added, «We will provide updates on this audit as our progress unfolds.»
The Smithsonian Institution responded to Fox News Digital with the following brief written statement: «The museum is committed to continuous and rigorous scholarship and research and unbiased presentation of facts and history. As such, and as previously announced, we are assessing content in Smithsonian museums and will make any necessary changes to ensure our content meets our standards.»
The Institution did not answer specific questions regarding who authored the Entertainment Nation exhibit, whether outside academic consultants or activist organizations were involved, or who made the decision to present all exhibit text bilingually in English and Spanish.
The controversy comes amid a broader push by President Donald Trump to reshape cultural institutions he says have veered too far left.
In March, Trump issued an executive order directing the Board of Regents to eliminate «improper, divisive or anti-American ideology» from Smithsonian museums. He accused the institution of embracing what he called «a revisionist movement» aimed at «undermining the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.»
The Board of Regents includes the vice president, the chief justice of the United States, six members of Congress, and nine citizen regents.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Congressman Carlos Giménez, both recent appointees, have advocated for an expedited review of Smithsonian content. Giménez, in a prior interview with The Wall Street Journal, confirmed tensions at the board’s June meeting over how quickly to proceed, though ultimately a compromise was reached.
The Smithsonian receives approximately two-thirds of its $1 billion annual budget from federal appropriations.
The Entertainment Nation exhibit opened in December 2022 and was billed as a permanent exhibition to «celebrate the power of popular culture to shape and reflect history.» It is housed in a prime space on the museum’s west wing and features artifacts and media from movies, television, sports, and music.
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While the museum’s stated goal is to explore how entertainment intersects with American identity, the Trump administration argues that it instead uses culture to smuggle in ideology often at odds with the values most Americans hold.
«Americans deserve a Smithsonian that inspires national pride, tells the truth, and reflects the greatness of this country,» Halligan said. «Not one that serves as an agent for social change and cultural subversion.»
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Blackburn says Trump support was ‘common thread’ among lawmakers reportedly targeted by Jack Smith
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FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., was one of nearly a dozen Senate Republicans allegedly probed by former Special Counsel Jack Smith, an investigation she wasn’t aware of until earlier this month.
She was one of several Senate Republicans that Smith allegedly surveilled as part of his investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. But it was only revealed earlier this month by the FBI — thanks to an oversight request by Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa — that Smith allegedly requested phone records on her and others.
Blackburn told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that until the documents from Smith’s «Arctic Frost» investigation were revealed, she had no idea that her phone records were being surveilled.
JACK SMITH INVESTIGATORS NEED TO ‘PAY BIG’ FOR JAN. 6 PHONE RECORDS PROBE, WARNS SEN. GRAHAM
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., believed that the «common thread» on former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s alleged spying on congressional Republicans was their support of President Donald Trump. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
She believed the «common thread» behind the former special counsel’s probe, which was carried out in 2023, was because «the eight of us are all Republicans. We all support President Trump.»
Blackburn and Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Ron Johnson, R-Wis., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., Bill Hagerty, R-Wyo., Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., were all reportedly part of Smith’s investigation.
In response, Blackburn and many of the others that were allegedly surveilled by Smith want to see him disbarred.
«This is about making certain we have one tier of justice, and that we stop this two tiers of justice,» Blackburn said. «And if they can do this to eight sitting U.S. senators, what could they possibly — I mean, think about how, what they must be doing to conservatives in this country.»
Last week, she and Graham, Tuberville, Sullivan and Kelly sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding an investigation into Smith, and that he be referred to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Professional Responsibility.
HAGERTY PRESSES VERIZON OVER FBI’S ACCESS TO HIS PHONE RECORDS DURING JACK SMITH PROBE
Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on an unsealed indictment including four felony counts against former President Donald Trump in Washington, Aug. 1, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
The end goal of the investigation is to see Smith disbarred from both New York and Tennessee, two states where he holds a license to practice law. Blackburn argued that Smith’s alleged spying on her and others was a «First Amendment and Fourth Amendment violation.»
Her latest push against the former special counsel came on the heels of another letter sent to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon demanding why the cellphone carriers allegedly allowed Smith and the FBI under the Biden administration to track their communications.
«You would have thought that, because of the Stored Records Act and the First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment and the Speech and Debate Clause, that at least Verizon, who’s my wireless carrier, would have informed me that there was a request on my records,» she said.
JACK SMITH TRACKED PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS, CALLS OF NEARLY A DOZEN GOP SENATORS DURING J6 PROBE, FBI SAYS
President Donald Trump listens to Argentina’s President Javier Milei (not pictured) in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, Oct. 14, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
«But of course, there was nothing given to us, and it’s the reason that we sent the letter to Verizon and then followed it with a letter … to the DOJ on Jack Smith,» she continued.
Smith is one of a handful of former officials that have been targeted by the DOJ under the Trump administration. He is currently under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel for alleged Hatch Act violations, which bars government employees from participating in political activities.
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Then there are federal indictments against former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly making false statements and obstructing justice, and former National Security Advisor John Bolton for allegedly mishandling classified documents.
Blackburn was one of many Republicans that railed against so-called political witch hunts against President Donald Trump when he was out of office. When asked what the difference between the indictments against Trump and his allies compared to the latest crop of former officials, she said it was about accountability.
«These need to be investigated so that this kind of stuff stops,» Blackburn said. «And one of the differences, I think you see between Democrats and Republicans, is Democrats repeatedly circle the wagons, and they push things under the rug, and then they want two tiers of justice. And with Republicans, the focus is on accountability and transparency, and I think that is a major, major difference.»
senate,justice department,corruption,donald trump,politics
El cantante español Joaquín Sabina ya tiene una novela gráfica sobre su biografía, un proyecto que sedujo a los guionistas Kike Babas y Kike Turrón (los Kikes), que vieron en el artista un personaje de cómic.
“Sabina tiene una vida de cómic y una cantidad de canciones que pueden ser hechas viñetas en cualquier momento”, argumentan.
El primer volumen de Joaquín Sabina. Pasión y Vida (Bao Bilbao Ediciones), que se publica este mes, tiene el acicate de haber agotado ya la primera edición en preventas. Han participado los Kikes y doce ilustradores, que narran “un trozo de su vida” (desde el nacimiento hasta 1995, año del álbum Yo, mi, me, contigo) porque meter a Sabina en un solo tomo resultaba complicado por su prolífica trayectoria.
Kike Babas y Kike Turrón explican que Sabina tiene novela gráfica porque “es un grande, porque es un personaje de cómic y por el empeño de los Kikes desde hace años de dar impulso y respeto a la cultura popular”.
“Siempre hemos envidiado que los países anglosajones rindan homenaje a su cultura popular, que Bob Dylan tenga cátedras en la universidad o que hubiera tomos de cómic sobre The Doors o Janis Joplin, y en España eso no estaba tratado”, dice Babas.
Así que, después de hacer biografías de cantantes y grupos como Manu Chao, Los Rodríguez, Rosendo, Siniestro Total…, pasaron a la novela gráfica con Fito, el humorista Gran Wyoming y ahora le llega el turno a Sabina.
Turrón admite que a la hora de decidirse por el personaje lo principal es que sea relevante y con público suficiente para lanzarse a ello.
Babas va un paso más allá y admite que a la hora de elegir personaje lo que manda es que les guste, pero también que llene plazas de toros o pabellones y que sea personaje de cómic: “Fito es un personaje de cómic, pero Sabina es otro”. Explican ambos que pidieron permiso a Sabina para hacer su biografía, igual que hacen con todos los artistas.
Un año tardaron en montar la biografía, tras obtener el ‘sí’ de Sabina, a través del cantautor Leiva, amigo en común.
La condición que puso Sabina fue que no lo molestaran porque se embarcaba en su gira de despedida y no quería volver a narrar historias que ya había contado en muchas ocasiones.
Babas explica que, en realidad, no necesitaban el relato de Sabina porque su vida está ya en 17 libros y la han interpretado decenas de periodistas. Es decir, solo con esa bibliografía extensa y buscando los libros en mercadillos, era suficiente.
A partir de ese trabajo de documentación, el objetivo era “resumir y resumir y buscar la esencia” hasta tener el guión listo para entregarlo a los ilustradores.
Y en el final del proceso, un audio de Sabina en whatsapp, con esa voz inconfundible y ronquísima, les confirmó que el trabajo estaba bien hecho: “Queridos Kikes, felicidades”, les dijo.
Turrón reconoce que, para dar dinamismo al guión, hicieron un ‘tour’ de ficción que pasaba por Úbeda, su pueblo natal, y por el Madrid antiguo, pero también por entrevistar a algunos personajes, como el que inspiró la canción ‘Juana la Loca’.
En la obra se mezcla la ficción y la no ficción, y algunas entrevistas como al poeta Benjamín Prado y al poeta y director del Instituto Cervantes, Luis García Montero, que han terminando siendo los prologuistas del libro.
Los Kikes están muy satisfechos de haber tenido la responsabilidad de haber puesto imágenes a sus canciones.
Sobre algún apunte oculto que desvele la obra, los Kikes comentan que algunos de los que han leído el libro adquirido en preventas han reconocido que, por ejemplo, “no tenían ni idea de que Sabina había tirado un cóctel molotov a una sucursal bancaria”.
Hay muchos datos en el libro, pero Sabina les reconoció tras leerlo: “Hay cosas que se cuentan mejor de lo que yo recordaba entre sombras”.
Babas destaca que una de los capítulos más atractivos es donde narra la llegada y el triunfo en Latinoamérica: “Como una persona tan andaluz, tan de Madrid, tan castiza y tan ibérica, de repente encuentra en Latinoamérica el triunfo absoluto. La patria es un idioma y Joaquín es un habitante perfecto de esa patria.
Los guionistas han hecho coincidir la publicación de la novela con la gira de Sabina que acaba en el mes de noviembre, y con la que se retira de los grandes recintos.
Fuente: EFE
caricaturas y cómic
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Former French President Sarkozy begins a 5-year prison sentence for campaign finance conspiracy
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy entered a prison in Paris on Tuesday to begin serving a 5-year sentence for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya — a historic moment that makes him the first ex-leader of modern France to be imprisoned.
Sarkozy, 70, was greeted by hundreds of supporters when he walked out of his Paris home earlier in the day hand-in-hand with his wife, supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. He embraced her before getting into a police car.
Minutes later, the vehicle passed through the gates of the notorious La Santé prison — where Sarkozy will now serve his sentence in solitary confinement.
Sarkozy was convicted last month of criminal conspiracy in a scheme to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya.
He contests both the conviction and a judge’s unusual decision to incarcerate him pending appeal. His lawyers said Tuesday that they filed an immediate request for his release.
FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN LIBYA CORRUPTION CASE
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy leave their home on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris as Nicolas Sarkozy heads to prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
A show of defiance
«It’s an ominous day for him, for France and for our institutions, because this incarceration is a disgrace,» Sarkozy’s lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois told reporters soon after his incarceration.
In a show of defiance and while on his way to the prison, Sarkozy released a statement on social media declaring that «an innocent man» was being locked up.
«I will continue to denounce this judicial scandal,» he wrote. «The truth will prevail.»
Sarkozy told Le Figaro newspaper that he would bring three books to prison — the maximum allowed — including Alexandre Dumas’ «The Count of Monte Cristo,″ in which the hero escapes from an island prison before seeking revenge. He also picked a biography of Jesus Christ.
«I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll hold my head high, including in front of the doors of La Santé,» he told La Tribune Dimanche newspaper last week. «I’ll fight till the end.»
Sarkozy has repeatedly said he is the victim of «a plot» staged by some people linked to the Libyan government and denounced the Sept. 25 verdict as a «scandal.»
TRUMP COMMUTES GEORGE SANTOS’ SENTENCE, PARDON BLITZ WIPES OUT COSTLY FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, center, arrives at La Sante prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Solitary confinement
Sarkozy’s lawyers said he will be kept away from all other prisoners for security reasons. They said he packed a bag with a few sweaters because the prison is cold and earplugs because it’s noisy.
Christophe Ingrain, another of Sarkozy’s lawyers, denounced «a serious injustice.»
«It’s a very difficult time, but the president has stood strong,» Ingrain said. «He doesn’t complain, hasn’t asked for anything, no special treatment.»
Solitary confinement implies that Sarkozy will never see other inmates and will spend most of his time alone in his cell, Ingrain said.
He will be allowed to go outdoors one hour per day alone in the prison yard and to get three visits per week from his family, Ingrain said, adding that he is planning to write a book about his prison experience.
BRAZIL’S EX-PRESIDENT AND MAJOR TRUMP ALLY BOLSONARO PLACED ON HOUSE ARREST
People stand behind French flags with inscription reading «Courage Nicolas, come back soon,» right, and «True France with Nicolas» outside former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s home, on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo/Masha Macpherson)
An outpouring of support for the ex-president
Sarkozy’s journey from the presidential Elysée Palace to La Santé prison has captivated France.
After leaving their home, Sarkozy and his wife walked slowly to join family members, including his children and grandchildren, outside his home.
«I’m very proud to share his name, and very proud of how he’s reacting,» said his brother, Guillaume Sarkozy. «I’m truly convinced that he is innocent.»
Hundreds of supporters applauded and chanted «Nicolas, Nicolas» and sang the French anthem. Two French flags were hung on a nearby fence, with the words «Courage Nicolas, return soon» and «true France with Nicolas.»
Parisian resident Virginie Rochon, 44, came in support of Sarkozy, calling it «scandalous» to see «a former president being taken away while still presumed innocent.»
Another supporter, Véronique Maurey, 50, said: «it’s just not possible. And on top of that, calling it a ‘criminal conspiracy’ kind of makes all of us feel like criminals too, because we voted for him. It’s not right to say that.»
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy reacts before entering a police car on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Paris as he heads to prison to serve time for a criminal conspiracy to finance his 2007 election campaign with funds from Libya. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Meeting with Macron
Embattled centrist President Emmanuel Macron hosted the conservative Sarkozy at the presidential palace last week, explaining it was «normal on a human level» to receive one of his predecessors in this context.
On Tuesday, Macron said he would not comment on a justice decision. «Nevertheless, it’s normal that the image of a president being imprisoned … may prompt comments,» he said.
«We must distinguish emotion, including the legitimate emotion of relatives and part of the country … and the proper functioning of justice,» Macron added.
Sarkozy has been retired from active politics for years but remains very influential, especially in conservative circles.
France’s top magistrate Rémy Heitz, Prosecutor-General at the Court of Cassation, warned Tuesday about a risk of «hindering (justice) serenity» and of «undermining the independence of judges,» including when the justice minister — a former conservative who joined Macron’s party — plans to visit Sarkozy in prison.
«The goal for everyone must be serenity, to allow justice to truly rule independently… free from any pressure,» Heitz said.
The Paris court ruled last month that Sarkozy would start to serve prison time without waiting for his appeal to be heard, due to «the seriousness of the disruption to public order caused by the offense.»
The court said Sarkozy, as a presidential candidate and interior minister, used his position «to prepare corruption at the highest level» from 2005 to 2007, to finance his presidential campaign with funds from Libya — then led by longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.
Under the ruling, Sarkozy was able to file a request for release to the appeals court only once behind bars. Judges have up to two months to process it.
france,associated press,world
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