Is Trump Banning Books? The Alarming Truth Behind the Latest Censorship Wave

Is Trump's administration banning Black-authored books, or is this just political hype?
The truth is clear: Trump's team is actively removing critical stories of Black history and resilience, aiming to erase memories that empower our communities. Here's why it matters—and what we can do about it.

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Is Trump Banning Books?

Just 35 days into Trump's administration, America is already witnessing a troubling trend: books by Black authors, stories about Black history, struggle, and resilience are disappearing from shelves and school curriculums. Why? Because those in power fear our history—fear what we have overcome, fear the strength we have shown to persevere against impossible odds.

Trump's administration isn't simply banning books; they're attempting to erase our memory. They want us to forget the battles fought, the rights won, and the power we hold when we stand together. If we forget our past, we become vulnerable in our present. We become easier to control, easier to silence.

Is it true? Is Trump's administration banning the books of Black Americans? And if so, how can we stop it?

Now, more than ever, we must speak up, resist, and protect our stories. Because forgetting is exactly what they want—and remembering is our greatest weapon against oppression.

The Trump administration has recently intensified efforts to restrict access to certain books in the United States, particularly those addressing topics like race, gender, and sexuality. These actions have raised significant concerns about censorship and the suppression of diverse voices.

Book Removals in Military Schools

In compliance with executive orders aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has initiated reviews of various books in schools serving U.S. military families. Notably, Julianne Moore's children's book "Freckleface Strawberry," which promotes self-acceptance, has been removed from library shelves pending evaluation. Moore, an alumna of a DoDEA school and daughter of a Vietnam veteran, expressed deep disappointment over this decision. Other works under review include "Hillbilly Elegy" by Vice President JD Vance and "Well-Read Black Girl," an anthology featuring discussions by Black female authors. These reviews have also led to the suspension of cultural observances such as Black History Month and Women's History Month in these schools.

Dismissal of Book Ban Complaints

The U.S. Department of Education has dismissed multiple complaints related to book bans, characterizing concerns about censorship as a "hoax." This stance has been met with strong opposition from free speech advocates and educators who have witnessed firsthand the removal of books, especially those by authors of color and LGBTQ+ writers. PEN America reported over 10,000 instances of book bans in public schools during the 2023-2024 academic year, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue.

Grassroots Campaigns for Book Banning

Individuals like Bruce Friedman have led aggressive campaigns to remove books they deem inappropriate from school libraries. In Clay County, Florida, Friedman has targeted approximately 1,200 books over two and a half years, focusing on works that discuss sexuality, gender identity, and critical race theory. His efforts reflect a broader national movement to challenge and restrict educational content related to these subjects.

Impact on Free Speech and Diversity

These concerted actions by the administration and allied activists have profound implications for free speech and the representation of diverse perspectives in educational materials. The strategic use of language to reframe discussions around race and gender, coupled with the removal of DEI programs, suggests a deliberate effort to reshape societal narratives and historical understanding.

In summary, the Trump administration's initiatives to ban certain books, particularly those by Black authors and other marginalized voices, represent a significant shift toward censorship and the erosion of diverse representation in American education and culture.

Recent Developments in U.S. Book Banning Efforts

The Atlantic

The Great Resegregation

Yesterday

The Times

I am the 'Michael Jordan of book banning'. This is why I do it

4 days ago

The Guardian

A 'great shock': Julianne Moore's children's book under review by Trump administration

The administration's dismissal of concerns regarding book bans, labeling them as a "hoax," as reported by Reuters, reflects a broader disregard for the voices of educators, authors, and community leaders who advocate for inclusive education. This denial not only invalidates the experiences of those directly affected but also undermines the democratic principles of free expression and open dialogue.

As these policies unfold, it's imperative to recognize their long-term implications. The suppression of diverse perspectives and the rollback of DEI initiatives not only hinder social progress but also exacerbate divisions within the country. For those who may have supported this administration, it's a moment to critically assess whether these actions align with the values and future you envisioned for America.

Just 35 Days In, and Look Where We Are—Is This What You Voted For?

Only 35 days have passed since Trump's administration returned to power, and we've already witnessed profound setbacks. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been swiftly dismantled, Proud Boys leadership has been released from jail—openly proclaiming he "would do it again"—and the lives of millions of Black and Latino families have deteriorated dramatically.

To the Black and Latino voters who supported Trump: How do you feel now?

Did you expect your friends and family members would face deportation, discrimination, and mistreatment with no representation or recourse? Did you anticipate inflation soaring through the roof, with basic goods costing 30% more than they did just two months ago? Is this the great leader you held up as your champion—someone with neither moral clarity nor understanding of how to govern 357 million diverse citizens?

Today, countless Americans are jobless, struggling with escalating costs, and finding fewer protections against discrimination. Where are your rights now? Where is your representation?

For those who chose differently, I feel genuine sorrow. For those who voted for this outcome, I have nothing left but an "I told you so," spoken without sorrow or mercy. Perhaps only now, as the hardship touches your doorstep, will you finally understand the gravity of your choice.

But for us Black Americans, this suffering is not new. Our history has always been marked by resilience. We've endured pain, hardship, abuse, and systemic oppression—and each time, we have persevered. Remember, we have faced Goliath before and emerged stronger.

This past Sunday, my pastor reminded me of the story of David and Goliath. David wasn’t supposed to be there—he was simply delivering food, the Uber Eats driver of his time. But when he arrived, he saw armies paralyzed by fear. Instead of succumbing to the same fear, David stood boldly and declared, “I will not fear. God has delivered me from lions, fire, and bears, and my Lord will see me through this Goliath.”

This message is meant for us today. Don't let them overwhelm you. Don’t let their systems, cruelty, and injustice make you feel hopeless, defeated, and powerless. That's exactly what they want—to break your spirit and silence your voice. But now is precisely the moment to rise up.

Rise up and fight back—against Trump, against MAGA, against racism, oppression, greed, and hatred. We must challenge those who seek to hold power selfishly, unjustly, and abusively.

They say meaningful change only comes after hitting rock bottom. With this administration's actions in just 35 days, it feels like we've reached that place. But from this low point, we must rise. It’s time for all of us—Black people, poor people, marginalized people, and godly people—to stand united and declare:

Enough is enough. We will fight—and we will win.

Conclusion:
The fight for our stories is a fight for our future. Trump's administration is attempting to rewrite history by silencing diverse voices, but we won't let them succeed. Our resilience is our strength. By standing together, advocating for diverse representation, and supporting authors who speak the truth, we protect our history, defend our rights, and ensure our stories are never erased.

Related Article

Trump and Eric Adams: How Corruption Fuels the Censorship Crisis

The troubling partnership between Donald Trump and Eric Adams symbolizes a broader pattern of corruption and betrayal that's infecting our institutions, including our schools and libraries. When local leaders, like Mayor Adams, align themselves with Trump’s administration, they indirectly endorse harmful policies—such as the systematic removal of books by Black authors and other marginalized voices from public spaces.

Eric Adams’ willingness to cozy up to Trump has empowered an administration determined to erase critical narratives from our communities. The censorship of books isn't just about controlling education; it’s about silencing voices that challenge their agenda. Adams’ complicity enables this dangerous shift toward censorship, undermining the very fabric of our democracy.

New Yorkers must connect the dots: corruption in City Hall has real consequences, including the erosion of our intellectual freedom and cultural diversity. If we remain silent, we risk losing not only political transparency but also the right to tell our own stories and honor our own history.

For more insights on how Eric Adams and Donald Trump's troubling alliance is reshaping New York City—and how we can fight back- read full article below👇

Donald Trump Eric Adams Scandal Exposed—NYC Corruption Out of Control?

Now is the time to resist censorship, fight corruption, and reclaim the narrative that belongs to all of us.