In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump disclosed his plan to implement significant changes at the Smithsonian Institution through an executive order aimed at restricting funding for programs that propagate what he described as “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology.” This action is a continuation of Trump’s frequent criticisms of cultural institutions that he considers too progressive.
President Trump expressed concerns about what he perceives as a decade-long effort to alter American history through the replacement of “objective facts” with ideologically driven narratives. He argues that such narratives portray the founding principles of the United States unfavorably.
The newly signed order assigns Vice President JD Vance, a board member of the Smithsonian Institution, the task of overseeing the removal of “improper ideology” across the institution’s various sectors, including museums, educational and research facilities, and the National Zoo.
Trump’s announcement is part and parcel of his broader campaign against cultural and academic institutions that he believes do not align with conservative ideals. In line with this, he has assumed the role of chairman at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with reformative intentions. Furthermore, the administration has recently pressured Columbia University into policy adjustments by threatening to cut off substantial federal funding.
Hints of a potential restoration of Confederate monuments and statues, which were taken down following the 2020 killings of George Floyd and the resulting rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, were also included in the executive order. These movements and their affiliated iconographies are not favored by Trump and many within the conservative sphere.
The order also proposes enhancements to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, intended by July 4, 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing.
Additionally, Trump highlighted specific Smithsonian entities for critique, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the developing Women’s History Museum, and the American Art Museum. He stated museums in the nation’s capital should focus on educational rather than ideological indoctrination.
Linda St. Thomas, the chief spokesperson for the Smithsonian Institution, stated they have no comment regarding the executive order at this time.
Under the directive, Vice President Vance is expected to collaborate with the White House budget office to ensure that future financial allocations are not utilized for programs inconsistent with American values, fostering racial division or promoting ideologies considered contrary to federal law and policy. One specific focus is that the women’s history museum should authentically celebrate women’s achievements and not recognize men as women in any way.
Finally, the order calls for the Secretary of the Interior to restore statues, memorials, monuments, and similar structures that might have been removed or altered since January 1, 2020. The aim is to correct any perceived revisionist narratives that obscure the historical importance of certain events or figures, or that contain any improper partisan ideology.
The Smithsonian Institution is recognized as the largest museum, education, and research complex globally, encompassing 21 museums and the National Zoo, with eleven museums located along Washington’s National Mall. Established by Congress, it was funded through the bequest of British scientist James Smithson, intended to promote knowledge growth and dissemination in the United States.