US President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” has sparked criticism for targeting the Smithsonian Institution. Trump claims that the institution has been influenced by “a divisive, race-centered ideology,” while critics argue the order aims to whitewash American history. Trump alleges that the institution promotes “a divisive, race-centered ideology,” while opponents argue that his order seeks to erase crucial aspects of American history. But what exactly is the Smithsonian?
The Smithsonian Institution
With an annual budget surpassing $1 billion, the Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research organization. Founded in 1846 through a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, its mission is “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”
The institution manages renowned cultural landmarks such as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). About 60% of its funding comes from the federal government, while the remainder comes from private contributions and trust funds.
In his executive order, Trump asserts that the National Museum of African American History and Culture teaches that concepts such as “hard work,” “individualism,” and “the nuclear family” are exclusive to “White culture.”
He also criticizes an upcoming exhibit at the American Women’s History Museum that highlights the accomplishments of transgender athletes, as well as an American Art Museum display that presents race as a social construct rather than a biological fact.
Federal funding restrictions
The order instructs Vice President JD Vance to ensure that no federal funds are allocated to exhibits or programs that “degrade shared American values” or “divide Americans based on race.”
Trump’s visit to the museum
During his presidency, Trump visited the NMAAHC in 2017. Led on a tour by Lonnie Bunch, now the Smithsonian’s secretary, Trump praised the museum for recognizing African American contributions to American history. He stated, “I’m deeply proud that we now have a museum that honors the millions of African American men and women who built our national heritage.”
Public response
Holly Brewer, a history professor at the University of Maryland, contends that the order suppresses essential historical discussions. “You’re not allowed to ask how societies have used race to establish and maintain power, even though race was explicit in so many laws. I don’t know how you can study history while being barred from asking questions like that.”
Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, labeled the order a “troubling fiction.”
Margaret Huang, CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, emphasized the importance of inclusive history, stating, “Black history is US history. Women’s history is US history. This country’s history is ugly and beautiful. And each historic struggle for civil rights has advanced our movement toward a truly inclusive, multiracial democracy.”
Wider cultural impact
Trump’s focus on the Smithsonian is part of a broader push against cultural institutions he claims have been overtaken by “woke” ideology. Other organizations under scrutiny include the Kennedy Center, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and media outlets such as Voice of America and PBS.
