US Launched Secret War on Culture in 1950s, a Cautionary Tale for Today

The Last Time the US Waged a Propaganda War on the Arts: A Cautionary Tale In 1950s America, the CIA launched a covert operation to infiltrate and influence the country's cultural institutions, marking one of the most significant propaganda wars in US history. The agency's efforts aimed to counter Soviet ideological influence through art, literature, and music, but ultimately raised questions about government control over creative expression. The CIA's Operation Mockingbird, as it came to be known, involved secretly funding publications, hiring writers and journalists, and manipulating the narrative of American culture. The operation was part of a broader Cold War strategy to promote US interests abroad through cultural exchange programs, exhibitions, and performances. One notable example of the CIA's influence on the arts is its support for abstract expressionism, which became a defining feature of post-war American art. The agency saw in this movement an opportunity to showcase American creativity and individuality, countering Soviet claims that Western culture was stifling and conformist. "We were trying to create a sense of American identity through art," said historian Frances Stonor Saunders, author of "The Cultural Cold War: The CIA and the World of Arts and Letters." "But in doing so, we also created a kind of ideological straitjacket that limited artistic expression." Saunders' research has shed light on the CIA's extensive involvement in shaping American culture during this period. She notes that the agency's influence extended beyond art to literature, music, and even film, with many notable writers and artists receiving secret funding or guidance from government agents. The parallels between Operation Mockingbird and President Donald Trump's recent efforts to control the narrative of American arts are striking. Trump has ordered a review of the Smithsonian Institution to ensure its exhibitions align with his vision for American history and culture, sparking concerns about censorship and ideological manipulation. "The last time we saw this kind of government interference in the arts was during the McCarthy era," said artist and activist Faith Ringgold. "We can't let that happen again. The arts are a reflection of our society's values and ideals – they shouldn't be subject to political control." As Trump continues to push for greater influence over American culture, many are drawing lessons from the CIA's propaganda war on the arts. While some see parallels between the two eras, others argue that today's cultural landscape is fundamentally different. "The stakes are higher now," said art historian and critic Aruna D'Souza. "We're living in a time of unprecedented polarization and ideological conflict. The question is: how do we balance artistic freedom with the need for cultural relevance?" The debate over government control of the arts will likely continue, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Operation Mockingbird serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of propaganda and censorship in the name of national interest. Background Operation Mockingbird was declassified in 2007, revealing the CIA's extensive involvement in shaping American culture during the Cold War. The agency's efforts were aimed at countering Soviet ideological influence through art, literature, and music. Current Status President Trump has ordered a review of the Smithsonian Institution to ensure its exhibitions align with his vision for American history and culture. The move has sparked concerns about censorship and ideological manipulation. Next Developments The outcome of the Smithsonian review remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate over government control of the arts will continue. As the cultural landscape evolves, so too must our understanding of the complex relationships between art, politics, and ideology. *Reporting by Vox.*