In a bold move aimed at refashioning American cultural institutions, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reshape the Smithsonian Institution's approach to exhibits and educational programs, marking a significant intervention in how history is portrayed.
Trump’s Executive Order Aims to Reshape Smithsonian’s Cultural Narrative
Trump’s Executive Order Aims to Reshape Smithsonian’s Cultural Narrative
US President's directive seeks to eliminate perceived divisive ideologies from national museums.
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that targets the Smithsonian Institution, a prominent network of museums and research centers that attract millions of visitors each year in Washington D.C. and New York City. The executive order mandates the elimination of what it describes as "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian's facilities, which include over 20 museums and the National Zoo.
The order, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," designates Vice-President JD Vance, a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents by virtue of his position, to spearhead the implementation of these changes. It further instructs the Interior Secretary to address the restoration of federal properties, including parks and statues, which have purportedly been altered or removed in recent years as part of a "false revision of history."
As part of the broader effort to influence American cultural dialogue, Trump has urged Congress to withdraw funding for Smithsonian programs that may facilitate racial division. The order specifically targets forthcoming exhibitions such as the American Women’s History Museum, which Trump claims aims to "recognize men as women," and criticizes the National Museum of African American History and Culture for associating values like "hard work" and "individualism" with "White culture."
Each year, the Smithsonian museums welcome between 15 to 30 million visitors, providing access to landmarks such as the National Museum of American History and the National Portrait Gallery. The new directive also brings attention to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, indicating it will ensure significant restorations at Independence Hall in Philadelphia are completed swiftly.
This executive action is part of Trump's continuing efforts to combat what he perceives as "woke" left-wing ideology that has infiltrated various aspects of American life. His administration has introduced or attempted to introduce multiple orders aimed at dissolving diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the federal level—a move that has sparked legal objections and public backlash. Notably, Trump has previously faced criticism for his oversight of cultural institutions, including a controversial takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts that led to cancellations of performances by prominent artists.
