All articles tagged with #thomas jefferson
President Donald Trump installed a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Rose Garden, the fifth new statue in a broader overhaul of the White House grounds, with three statues provided by donor Harlan Crow, highlighting Trump’s ongoing effort to reshape memorials surrounding the presidency.
A life-sized bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson was secretly installed in the White House Rose Garden last week as part of Trump’s Rose Lawn makeover, reportedly unseen by the public. The 7-foot, 700-pound statue—created 25 years ago by George Lundeen—joins four existing statues and is loaned, like others, by GOP donor Harlan Crow. The move has drawn scrutiny about Trump’s use of classical statues and its echoes of authoritarian-style monuments.
New York Post excerpts Fox Weather’s note that Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 enjoyed near-ideal summer weather: about 68°F at dawn, 72.25°F by 9 a.m., 76°F around 1 p.m., and 73.5°F in the evening; Thomas Jefferson meticulously logged daily temperatures and even bought a thermometer that day. The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration’s final wording on July 4, and delegates formally signed it on Aug. 2 under skies around 80°F.
Brandi Carlile performed 'Church & State' on SNL, featuring a recitation of Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists about the separation of church and state, as a protest against recent political developments in the US. The song, influenced by U2, was written on Election Night 2024 and emphasizes the importance of secular governance and religious freedom.
Suzan-Lori Parks's new play "Sally & Tom" at the Public Theater cleverly intertwines the story of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson with the backstage drama of a theater troupe putting on a play about their relationship. The play within the play, "The Pursuit of Happiness," explores the complexities of their relationship, with the playwright and star, Luce, grappling with the idea of portraying it as a love story. Parks skillfully navigates the intertwining narratives, offering a thought-provoking and humorous take on this historical scandal.
On Independence Day, NPR reflects on the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence and its famous line, "all men are created equal." Historians discuss the contradictions between the ideals expressed in the document and the reality of inequality during the time of its writing, particularly regarding slavery. Over the years, marginalized groups, including women, African Americans, and Native Americans, have used the Declaration to advocate for their rights and push for greater equality. The article highlights the ongoing debates and legal battles surrounding equality in various aspects of American society, emphasizing the lasting impact of the Declaration as a guiding principle for progress.