Colombian president purges National Museum of works promoting ‘communism’

De la Espriella, a conservative Trump ally, said last week that he wants to prevent cultural institutions from being taken over by what he calls 'atheist social communism'. Since then, exhibits have been taken down that once addressed the history of social movements, including feminist and LGBTQ activism, and Colombia's political violence.

Protests and Criticism

The changes have sparked protests by civil rights groups, artists and students who have accused the government of censorship and warned that it could erase important parts of the country's history. Dozens of demonstrators gathered on Wednesday outside the National Museum in downtown Bogota as riot police guarded its entrance.

Broader Trend

Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli, director for the Andes at the Washington Office on Latin America, said the Colombian government's approach reflects a broader trend among Trump allies who are copying US political narratives and strategies. Trump has been fiercely critical of Washington museums, particularly those tied to the Smithsonian Institution.

The White House released a report in July branding leaders of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as radical activists and ordered signs installed outside the museum telling visitors that some exhibits are inaccurate. Nearly three months later, those signs still haven't been installed.

Government Response

Colombia's Culture Minister Paola Holguin said the government was reviewing and redesigning exhibitions and curatorial practices at other museums overseen by her ministry. Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also renamed a courtyard previously honouring an Indigenous leader, describing the change as part of the president's campaign against 'woke' ideology.