US National Archives Apologizes For Blurring Out Anti-Trump Notes In 2017 Photo
Image via Shutterstock
The US National Archives has apologized for doctoring an image captured at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, DC.
The organization was criticized for altering the image to omit anti-Trump messages written on protest signs.
“We made a mistake,” the US National Archives addressed. “We will immediately start a thorough review of our exhibit policies so that this does not happen again.”
The apology comes after The Washington Post reported that at least four signs in the photo had been edited out.
One sign, which read, “God Hates Trump,” had the president’s last name blurred out in the snap. Other signs displaying the words “pussy” and “vagina” were erased too.
The original picture was taken by Getty Images photographer Mario Tama back in January 2017.
The National Archives stated that the retouched version was a promotional image for an exhibition called Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, and confirmed that its display would be removed and replaced with the unedited image swiftly.
We made a mistake.
— US National Archives (@USNatArchives) January 18, 2020
As the National Archives of the United States, we are and have always been completely committed to preserving our archival holdings, without alteration. pic.twitter.com/VTWOS4R7GY
We have removed the current display and will replace it as soon as possible with one that uses the unaltered image.
— US National Archives (@USNatArchives) January 18, 2020
We apologize, and will immediately start a thorough review of our exhibit policies and procedures so that this does not happen again.
Perspective: The National Archives used to stand for independence. That mission has been compromised. https://t.co/KpBTLY6T7m
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 18, 2020
The government can’t airbrush history or erase women’s bodies from it. It is the job of the National Archives to document history, not alter it to serve the president’s ego. https://t.co/DlCGVnnEkk
— ACLU (@ACLU) January 18, 2020
“There's no reason for the National Archives to ever digitally alter a historic photograph," Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley said. "If they don't want to use a specific image, then don't use it. But to confuse the public is reprehensible.” https://t.co/r1LR9gudR0
— Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) January 18, 2020
Changing records of history at the National Archives to conceal criticism of Trump is terrifying. https://t.co/YL3esZKUKq
— Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) January 18, 2020
[via DIY Photography, opening image via Shutterstock]
