President Trump recently issued an executive order aimed at the Smithsonian Institution, the renowned museum and research complex. The EO accused the institution of promoting divisive ideologies and seeks to emphasize American inspiration and greatness. This article delves into the implications of the order for the Smithsonian, highlighting the concerns raised by historians regarding its impact.
What does the executive order entail for the Smithsonian? Trump’s order criticizes the Smithsonian for allegedly endorsing a revisionist approach that portrays American and Western values as harmful. The order singles out instances like the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s past infographic on white culture, which was removed following backlash. Additionally, the order prohibits the recognition of transgender women at the American Women’s History Museum.
Entitled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” the executive order mandates Vice President JD Vance to collaborate with Congress to restrict funding for exhibits or programs deemed contrary to American values or federal law. It also calls for the restoration of monuments removed after 2020’s Confederate icon reconsideration.
How will the executive order impact the Smithsonian? Established in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution houses several museums and research facilities, receiving significant federal funding. Oversight is provided by a diverse board, including Vance and other prominent figures. The order directs Vance to ensure board alignment with Trump’s vision, yet the extent of administration influence remains uncertain.
Although the Smithsonian has not commented on the EO, the historical community has expressed dismay. Critics view the order as detrimental, promoting a skewed narrative of American history. Scholars warn against presenting a sanitized version of the nation’s past, as it would hinder understanding the challenges and triumphs that have shaped America.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Chandra Manning, an American history professor at Georgetown, emphasized that the American people are resilient and not as fragile as some may think.
Politics have influenced the Smithsonian in the past. For instance, in 1994, the institution faced criticism over an exhibit planned on the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War II. The exhibit was deemed disrespectful by veterans groups and politicians who felt it focused too much on Japanese victims instead of American troops. Consequently, the museum decided to cancel the exhibition and opted for a smaller display on the B-29 bomber instead, according to the Times.
More recently, the National Museum of the American Latino faced controversy. In 2023, a group of Republican Latino members of Congress threatened to withhold funding from the museum, which is set to open in the coming years, due to concerns about the balance of its inaugural exhibition. They felt that it portrayed Latinos only as victims of oppression. Following discussions with the museum’s director, an agreement was reached to address their concerns, leading the lawmakers to withdraw their objection.
For further insights on what Trump’s Latest Executive Order could imply for the Smithsonian, refer to the article by Katie Couric Media.
