On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a significant executive order directed at altering the ideological content presented by the Smithsonian Institution.

The directive from Trump requires the removal of content considered "divisive" or "anti-American," refocusing on exhibits that celebrate shared national values and historical veracity, as Breitbart reports.

The New York Post reported on the executive order, noting its comprehensive coverage of all Smithsonian entities, which includes several museums and the National Zoo.

This move is part of a larger effort by Trump's administration to influence cultural and educational institutions in the United States.

Details of Order

According to the fact sheet released by the White House, this executive order specifically assigns the vice president, serving on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to spearhead the elimination of what is identified as inappropriate or divisive content.

This action signals a significant push towards ensuring that the institution's offerings adhere strictly to prescribed patriotic themes and narratives.

Funding from Congress to the Smithsonian will now be contingent on adherence to specific guidelines. These include avoiding support for exhibits that degrade or divide by race, conflict with federal law, or undermine shared American values.

Additionally, specific directives target enhancing the representation of women’s achievements, particularly in the newly planned Museum of American Women.

American Women’s History Initiative Under Microscope

The Smithsonian had traditionally showcased a diverse range of narratives, including some that now may fall under scrutiny due to the new regulations.

Notably, in 2023, the Institution began fundraising for the Museum of American Women. The project's director had stated their intent to include transgender women in their narrative, aligning with modern inclusivity standards.

In 2020, this pivot towards inclusive historical recounting was evidenced when the National Museum of African American History and Culture highlighted a web page that focused on "whiteness" in America.

This included attributes like individualism and scientific method as part of the narrative, which some critics argue frames these qualities in a controversial context.

Commitment to Preserving American Heritage

The executive order also extends beyond content alteration, mandating the secretary of the Interior to restore monuments, parks, statues, and other federal properties altered or removed in the last five years. This is part of a broader initiative to counter what the administration labels as a misleading rewriting of American history.

A statement highlighted a decade-long unchecked spread of ideologies that, according to the order, misrepresent American history. The new policy aims to correct these narratives by emphasizing factual historical recounting and the restoration of American heritage sites.

During his first term, Trump was vocal about protecting national monuments. He famously defended statues of key figures like Jesus Christ and the Founding Fathers, emphasizing their importance to American identity and heritage.

President's Statements on Historical Figures, Ideology

In defending historical figures, Trump articulated strong sentiments about preserving the legacy of American icons. "They’re looking at Jesus Christ. They’re looking at George Washington. They’re looking at Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson. Not going to happen. Not going to happen as long as I’m here," he declared, highlighting his commitment to protecting these symbols from being removed or tarnished by protests or differing ideological interpretations.

This latest executive order thus echoes his ongoing resolve to maintain and enforce a traditional American narrative, particularly in public and culturally significant spaces like the Smithsonian.

The executive order’s impact on the Smithsonian's future exhibitions and educational programs remains to be seen, but it represents a profound shift towards a specific vision for America's historical narrative, aiming to unite under common values whilst aligning closely with federal law and guidelines.