HOW THE WEST WAS WON: Kevin Costner makes important plea to President Donald Trump
Washington D.C.: Kevin Costner recently called for a greater emphasis on history in U.S. education, urging President Donald Trump to prioritize the subject in school curriculums.
The 'Dances With Wolves' and 'Yellowstone' star told the Associated Press that he wishes for a "giant shift in education where history dominated more than math," arguing that those gifted in math will pursue it naturally, while history helps everyone understand their roots.
Costner, a Cal State Fullerton business graduate, has long explored historical themes in his work, from the Old West in 'Yellowstone' to baseball in 'Field of Dreams'. He has remained largely apolitical, stressing that filmmaking should stay independent of politics. "Movies don’t have to be important, but they have to have an audience in mind," he told Fox News, emphasizing that cinema should focus on storytelling, not partisan agendas.
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Reflecting on his career, Costner advised students during a 2007 visit to his alma mater to "listen to your inner voice" and forge their own paths. His message—rooted in intuition and perseverance—resonates as strongly as his belief in history’s power to unite and educate.
In 2025, Costner launched 'Kevin Costner’s The West', an eight-part History Channel documentary series. The show, co-produced with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, provides an "unvarnished look at the brutal realities of America’s westward expansion, challenging Hollywood’s romanticized versions". Costner narrates and executive produces, aiming to educate audiences about the struggles, tragedies, and cultural impacts of the era.
Costner’s approach to Westerns has always strived for authenticity. The actor/director has consulted with Native American experts and has cast Native actors to ensure accurate representation, as seen in 'Dances With Wolves' and 'Horizon'.
Costner has described his exploration of the West as both a professional journey and a personal quest. He acknowledges the tragedy and complexity of the stories he uncovers, often focusing on those who lost their land, culture, and lives during America’s expansion.
“Everything I found, almost everything I found was tragic. Isn’t that weird? Every story — there weren’t a lot of happy endings, although there were people that made it on the backs of these kind of people we’re zeroing in on.”