During a recent episode of “The View,” co-host Sunny Hostin spoke about the congressional hearings concerning the Smithsonian Institution. She claimed these hearings were linked to the Trump administration’s position on reparations for the descendants of slaves.
Dr. Anthea Hartig, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, answered questions on Capitol Hill following a report noting the museum’s perceived political bias. Hostin argued that the true issue centers on financial compensation for descendants of enslaved Africans. She stated, “Reparations,” while explaining that this reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape historical narratives to avoid compensating Black people for their contributions to the country’s foundation.
Hostin emphasized the need for reparations and truth commissions, pointing out that similar processes have occurred for other aggrieved groups, such as interned Japanese Americans and victims of the Holocaust. However, such steps have not yet been taken for slavery, which she attributes to attempts to conceal historical truths.
The discussion touched on the United Nations’ 2026 resolution labeling the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution was opposed by the U.S., among others, with 123 countries voting in favor.
Hostin referenced Ambassador Dan Negrea’s statement before the U.N., indicating the U.S. does not acknowledge a legal obligation to provide reparations for actions historically considered legal. Hostin asserted, “This is about this country trying to avoid paying African Americans our due.”
She also recounted her appearance on PBS’s “Finding Your Roots” in 2024. Hostin discovered her ancestral connection to slaveholding, a revelation that left her “in shock.” She learned that one of her maternal ancestors likely participated in the slave trade in colonial Spain, which she found surprising given her Puerto Rican heritage.
Hostin mentioned how her husband Manny’s family shares Spanish roots, noting the significance for their children to understand their family history. This personal discovery highlighted the complex nature of historical family connections.
Hanna Panreck, an associate editor at Fox News, reported on Hostin’s comments.
Leave a Reply