President Trump is pushing to reshape the narrative of American history by limiting the independence of the Smithsonian Institution through his executive order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. He accuses the institution of embracing a divisive, race-centered ideology that portrays America's founding principles negatively. The order calls for the Smithsonian to avoid narratives that diminish shared American values and to ensure that the upcoming American Women's History Museum does not recognize notions such as gender identity. The Smithsonian, which plays a crucial role in representing American history, was reportedly unprepared for the sudden implications of this directive.
In an executive order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, Mr. Trump took aim at what he described as a revisionist movement across the country that seeks to undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.
Mr. Trump called on Vice President JD Vance, a member of the Smithsonian's board, to work with Congress to prohibit expenditures on exhibitions or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans by race or promote ideologies inconsistent with federal law.
The Smithsonian, which has 21 museums, libraries, research centers and the National Zoo, appeared to be caught off-guard by the order. Several leaders said they were just learning about the new order themselves.
The institution had closed its diversity office shortly after the president signed a January executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs at organizations receiving federal money.
#trump-administration #american-history #smithsonian-institution #executive-order #cultural-politics
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