President Donald Trump has issued an executive order demanding the removal of “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” from the Smithsonian Institution, aiming to restore what he terms “truth and sanity” to the presentation of American history.
At a Glance
- President Trump signed an order targeting the Smithsonian Institution’s exhibits and programs deemed to promote divisive or anti-American ideologies.
- Vice President JD Vance has been appointed to oversee the implementation of this directive within the Smithsonian’s museums and research centers.
- The order calls for the reinstatement of national monuments and statues that have been removed or altered in recent years.
- Future federal funding for the Smithsonian is contingent upon compliance with the order’s directives.
- This move aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to influence cultural institutions and historical narratives in the United States.
Executive Order Targets Smithsonian’s Ideological Content
On March 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” mandating the elimination of what he describes as “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” within the Smithsonian Institution.
This directive encompasses all Smithsonian museums, educational and research centers, and the National Zoo. Vice President JD Vance, a member of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, has been tasked with overseeing the removal of these ideologies from the institution’s various entities, according to the Associated Press.
Criticism of Current Exhibits and Programs
The executive order specifically criticizes certain Smithsonian exhibits and programs for allegedly promoting narratives that undermine American values. For instance, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has been singled out for associating attributes like “hard work” and “individualism” with “White culture.”
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the forthcoming Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum’s plans to recognize transgender women, which the administration opposes.
Restoration of National Monuments and Historical Integrity
Beyond the Smithsonian, the order directs the Secretary of the Interior to restore national parks, monuments, and statues that have been removed or altered since January 1, 2020. This includes efforts to restore Independence Hall in Philadelphia by July 4, 2026, in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The administration asserts that these actions are necessary to counter what it describes as a “false reconstruction of American history” and to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.
Funding Tied to Compliance
The executive order also stipulates that future federal funding for the Smithsonian Institution will be contingent upon adherence to its directives. This includes ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used to support exhibits or programs that, in the administration’s view, degrade shared American values or promote divisive ideologies.
Part of a Broader Effort
This move is part of President Trump’s broader campaign to influence cultural institutions and historical narratives in the United States. It follows previous actions such as the appointment of Richard Grenell to lead the Kennedy Center and efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in other federal institutions. Critics argue that these measures represent an attempt to impose a singular historical perspective and suppress diverse viewpoints.
Watch coverage of the executive order and Smithsonian reforms.
