Former President Donald Trump is making waves once again with a bold executive order aimed at reshaping the Smithsonian Institution. On Thursday, he announced his intention to cut funding for programs that, in his view, promote “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology.” This move is part of a broader push to challenge cultural institutions he believes have become too liberal.
Trump’s Take on Rewriting History
According to Trump, there has been a significant effort over the past decade to distort American history by replacing “objective facts” with ideologically driven narratives. He argues that these interpretations cast the founding principles of the United States in an unfairly negative light.
In response, the executive order places Vice President JD Vance, who serves on the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents, in charge of overseeing the effort to “remove improper ideology” from all aspects of the Smithsonian. This includes its museums, research centers, education programs, and even the National Zoo.
Targeting Cultural Institutions
This executive order is just the latest in Trump’s ongoing battle against cultural and educational institutions that he feels don’t align with conservative values. He recently took control of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, aiming to revamp its programming, including the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors awards show. Additionally, his administration forced Columbia University to alter its policies by threatening to withhold hundreds of millions in federal funding.
The Return of Controversial Monuments?
The order also signals potential changes to historical monuments, particularly those removed in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the George Floyd protests of 2020. Trump has long opposed the removal of Confederate statues and other historical figures he believes should be preserved. The executive order calls for the reinstatement of monuments, memorials, and statues taken down since January 1, 2020, arguing that their removal distorts history and promotes partisan ideology.
In addition, the order mandates that Independence Hall in Philadelphia receive improvements by July 4, 2026, in time for America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This aligns with Trump’s push for a more “patriotic” approach to American history.
Smithsonian Museums Under Scrutiny
Notably, Trump has singled out specific Smithsonian museums for criticism. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016 near the White House, has drawn his ire, as has the Women's History Museum, which is still in development. The American Art Museum is also on his radar.
“Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn—not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history,” Trump declared.
Funding at Risk
Under the new order, Vice President Vance will collaborate with the White House budget office to ensure that future Smithsonian funding does not support programs that “degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with federal law and policy.”
Another controversial aspect of the order relates to the Women’s History Museum. Trump insists that it should celebrate the achievements of women, while explicitly stating that it should not “recognize men as women in any respect.” This statement aligns with ongoing political debates surrounding gender identity.
The Smithsonian Institution’s Legacy
The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, comprises 21 museums and the National Zoo. Eleven of these museums are located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
It was originally established by Congress using funds from James Smithson, a British scientist who left his estate to the United States. His vision was to create an institution “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Today, however, the debate rages on about whether the Smithsonian’s role has shifted too far from that mission.
What’s Next?
Trump’s executive order has certainly ignited a fresh round of debate about the role of history, culture, and ideology in America’s institutions. Critics argue that his move is an attempt to stifle important conversations about the country’s past, while supporters believe it’s a necessary step to prevent left-wing bias from shaping historical narratives.
For now, the Smithsonian Institution has remained tight-lipped about the order. “We have no comment for now,” said Linda St. Thomas, the institution’s chief spokesperson, in an email late Thursday.
As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: Trump’s latest cultural battle is far from over, and its impact on American history and education could be felt for years to come.
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