In a sweeping directive that underscores President Donald J. Trump’s cultural agenda, the administration has formally ordered the Smithsonian Institution to remove what it defines as improper, divisive or anti-American ideology from its museums, exhibits, research centers, and the National Zoo.
On March 27, 2025, Trump signed “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” directing Vice President J.D. Vance to lead an effort to purge the Smithsonian of narratives the administration views as ideologically skewed. This includes questioning exhibits that discuss systemic racism or present race and identity as central to oppression, specifically targeting museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The executive order also includes provisions for potential budget cuts to exhibits considered divisive, demanding Congress to ensure appropriations do not support materials that promote division based on race or inconsistent ideologies. An immediate example of this directive's effects is seen in the National Museum of American History, where references to Trump’s impeachments were removed from the “American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” exhibit.
The implications of this order are vast, as it not only changes how history is presented in these institutions but also aligns with a broader cultural push for national pride and traditional values. Critics warn that this move could undermine historical scholarship and the complex narratives essential to understanding U.S. history, leading to a sanitized version of the past. Overall, this initiative is poised to affect how American identity is constructed and understood as the country approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.
