U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at the Smithsonian Institution, which oversees more than 20 museums and research centers visited by millions each year in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
The order directs Vice President JD Vance to “eliminate improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” from Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo in Washington. It also instructs the Secretary of the Interior to restore federal properties—including parks, memorials, and statues—that have been “improperly removed or altered in the past five years to promote a false revision of history.”
This move is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape American culture alongside politics.
Titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” the order appoints Vice President Vance, a Smithsonian Board of Regents member due to his government position, to lead the initiative. The order also calls on Congress to withhold funding from Smithsonian exhibits and programs that “divide Americans by race.”
It specifically criticizes the upcoming American Women’s History Museum, alleging that it plans to “recognize men as women.” Additionally, it targets the National Museum of African American History and Culture, accusing it of portraying “hard work, individualism, and the nuclear family” as aspects of “White culture.” The museum, which opened in 2016 during President Barack Obama’s final year in office, has been a focal point for discussions on race and history.
The Smithsonian museums provide free admission to between 15 and 30 million visitors annually and operate 21 locations across Washington, Virginia, and New York. Among them are the National Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery, the American Art Museum, and the National Zoo.
The executive order also directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to carry out “restorations and improvements” at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing.
Trump has made it a priority to reshape American cultural institutions, arguing that they have been influenced by “woke” left-wing ideology. His administration has taken steps to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from federal agencies—moves that have sparked legal challenges.
Shortly after taking office, Trump also dismissed the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., appointing himself as chairman. The decision drew backlash from actors and directors, leading several to cancel upcoming performances.
