### In a bold move, President Trump's recent executive order seeks to remove what he terms 'anti-American ideology' from the Smithsonian Institution, prompting discussions on the intersection of culture and politics.
### Trump Targets Smithsonian Museums to Eliminate 'Divisive Ideology'
### Trump Targets Smithsonian Museums to Eliminate 'Divisive Ideology'
### Executive order aims to reshape American cultural institutions amid ongoing political tensions.
US President Donald Trump has taken a significant step to influence American culture by signing an executive order aimed at the Smithsonian Institution, which comprises over 20 museums and research centers that attract millions of visitors annually in Washington DC and New York City. This directive instructs the vice president to eliminate what is referred to as "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the museums, centers, and the National Zoo located in Washington.
Additionally, the order tasks the interior secretary with restoring federal properties, including parks, memorials, and statues, that have supposedly been altered or removed over the past five years to uphold a misleading narrative of history. Titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History", the order emphasized that Vice President JD Vance, who has joined the Smithsonian Board of Regents through his governmental role, will spearhead this cultural overhaul.
In the document, Trump asserts that Congressional funding should not be directed toward Smithsonian exhibits or programs perceived to "divide Americans by race." Specifically, the American Women's History Museum, currently under development, is cited for allegedly planning to "recognize men as women." Moreover, concerns are raised about the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has been accused of categorizing "hard work," "individualism," and "the nuclear family" as elements of "White culture." Founded in 2016 during President Obama's tenure, this museum has become a focal point in the current cultural debate.
The Smithsonian, which welcomes approximately 15 to 30 million visitors yearly through its 21 museums across Washington, Virginia, and New York, has historically provided free access to its collections. As part of the recent order, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is also directed to complete renovations at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, coinciding with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Trump, who has claimed that American culture has been tainted by "woke" leftist ideology, continues his campaign to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs throughout the federal landscape—efforts that have stirred legal disputes. His leadership approach also includes the controversial move of terminating the board at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and appointing himself as chairman, an action that ignited backlash from the artistic community and led to performance cancellations.
