President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at reshaping the Smithsonian Institution’s approach to race and history. The order, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," directs Vice President JD Vance to eliminate what the administration calls "divisive race-centered ideology" from the Smithsonian’s museums, educational centers, and the National Zoo.
The executive order argues that the Smithsonian, once a symbol of American excellence, has shifted towards narratives that depict American and Western values as harmful. It emphasizes that museums should be places for learning, not venues for ideological indoctrination. The order specifically calls for a review of exhibitions and programs that it claims degrade shared American values or promote divisive racial narratives.
In addition, the order seeks to restrict federal funding for any Smithsonian programs that do not align with these new guidelines. It also emphasizes the need for future appropriations to celebrate women’s achievements and explicitly states that the museum should not recognize men as women.
This move is part of a broader trend of executive orders from Trump’s administration aimed at rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that had been previously supported by federal agencies. The order criticizes the Biden Administration for promoting what it describes as a "corrosive ideology" that seeks to distort historical truths.
The executive order also calls for the appointment of new members to the Smithsonian Board of Regents who are committed to these changes. It further includes provisions to restore public monuments and memorials that have been removed or altered as part of a perceived historical revisionism.
Trump’s administration has faced criticism for its stance on DEI efforts, particularly those aimed at supporting underserved communities in the arts. The executive order reflects a significant shift in how the federal government intends to approach cultural institutions and their role in American society.
As of now, the Smithsonian has not publicly commented on the new executive order.