On March 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reshaping the Smithsonian Institution, which oversees more than 20 museums and research centers in Washington D.C. and New York City. The order, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," directs Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate what the administration describes as "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the institution's exhibits.
The executive order reflects Trump's ongoing campaign to challenge what he terms "woke" ideology, which he claims has infiltrated American culture and education. In a statement, Trump asserted that Americans have witnessed a "concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation's history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth." This initiative is part of Trump's broader effort to influence American culture through policy changes.
The order specifically targets the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which Trump claims promotes narratives that portray American values as harmful. It cites a particular exhibit that suggests concepts such as "hard work," "individualism," and the "nuclear family" are aspects of "White culture." The order also criticizes the forthcoming Smithsonian American Women's History Museum for allegedly planning to feature male athletes in women's sports, a move that Trump argues undermines the achievements of women.
In addition to the Smithsonian overhaul, the executive order instructs Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to restore federal properties, including parks and monuments, that have been altered or removed in recent years. The order claims these changes contribute to a "false revision of history." Trump has previously expressed strong opposition to the removal of Confederate statues and monuments, which were taken down in response to the racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
The Smithsonian Institution, which includes 21 museums and the National Zoo, attracts millions of visitors each year. Trump's executive order aims to ensure that these cultural institutions reflect what he considers to be shared American values. He emphasized that museums should be places of learning rather than venues for ideological indoctrination.
Vance, who is already a member of the Smithsonian's Board of Regents, will lead the effort to review and potentially remove exhibits that are deemed divisive. The order also allows him to appoint citizen members to the Board to assist in implementing this plan. The administration's directive is clear: future funding for Smithsonian exhibits must not promote narratives that divide Americans by race.
Critics of the order argue that it reflects a troubling trend toward censorship and an attempt to sanitize American history. They warn that removing or altering exhibits could lead to a distorted understanding of the complexities of the nation's past, including its struggles with racism and inequality. The Smithsonian has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the executive order.
In conjunction with this order, Trump announced the creation of the "DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force," which will focus on beautifying the capital and enforcing federal immigration laws. This task force will be chaired by Stephen Miller, a senior advisor known for his hardline stance on immigration.
As part of his broader cultural agenda, Trump has previously taken steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts. His administration's actions have sparked significant public debate, particularly regarding the role of museums and cultural institutions in representing history.
Under the new executive order, Vance is tasked with working alongside Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, to ensure that future appropriations prohibit funding for exhibits or programs that degrade American values or promote divisive ideologies. The order reflects a commitment to reshaping federal cultural policy as Trump prepares for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Trump's actions have reignited discussions about the role of museums in society and how history is taught and represented. As the Smithsonian navigates this new directive, the implications for its exhibitions and educational programs remain to be seen. The potential for significant changes in how American history is presented could alter the landscape of cultural education for millions of visitors.
In summary, Trump's executive order marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of politics and culture, as the administration seeks to redefine the narrative surrounding American history through its most prominent cultural institutions. The coming months will reveal how the Smithsonian adapts to these changes and what impact they will have on public understanding of America's past.
