President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to promote more control over what is on display at Smithsonian museums and federal sites, citing what the White House calls “splitting tales” promoted by certain museums.
The executive order argues that the Smithsonian facility, which operates numerous museums in the country’s capital, has “under the influence of divisive, racially ideologies in recent years.”
“This change has promoted a narrative that portrays American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive,” the order states.
The order cites an exhibition at the American Museum entitled “The Tale of Race and American Sculptures” and references at the Museum of History and Culture of African Americans, claiming “hard work,” “individualism,” and “nuclear family.”
“The museums in our country’s capital should be a place for individuals to learn, and should not be exposed to the divisive narratives that distort ideological indoctrination or our shared history,” the order states.
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The order directs Vice President JD Vance to lead an effort to eliminate content from the Smithsonian Museum that is not in line with the administration’s vision of “reminding Americans of our extraordinary heritage.”
He also directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgham to determine whether public monuments, monuments, or statues have been removed during the Biden administration “perpetuating a false reconstruction of American history.”
The executive order is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to roll back Biden-era initiatives that were deemed “awakening” or promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Front of the DC Museum of School Bus, where students drop off visiting in front of the Washington State Museum of Natural History, DC is a statue of Joseph Henry, the Director of the Smithsonian Association (Photo: Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
In particular, Democrats have tried to reconsider the memorial to Confederate leaders after the aftermath of the 2020 racial injustice protests was spurred by the murder of George Floyd. Trump has repeatedly argued that destroying statues should be subject to severe penalties.
During the Biden administration, Fort Bragg in North Carolina was renamed Fort Liberty. This is a move that was reinstated by the Trump administration. Fort Bragg was named after a Confederate general.
Former President Joe Biden argued during the 2020 campaign that the federal government should protect historical figures, while local governments should remove the memorial to Confederate leaders.
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