Trump’s Push for a New American Historical Narrative
Former President Donald Trump has escalated his efforts to reshape the perception of American history with a recent executive order aimed at diminishing the independence of the Smithsonian Institution. He envisions transforming it into a “symbol of inspiration and American greatness.”
In an order entitled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” Trump criticized what he termed a “revisionist movement” sweeping the nation. He argues that this movement attempts to tarnish the extraordinary accomplishments of the United States by framing its foundational principles and significant historical events in a negative context.
The executive order specifically targeted the Smithsonian, alleging that it has fallen prey to “divisive, race-centered ideology” and that its narratives often depict American and Western values as inherently detrimental and oppressive. In a bold move, Trump mandated Vice President JD Vance, who is a member of the Smithsonian’s board, to collaborate with Congress. Their objective is to prohibit any funding for exhibitions or programs that, in their view, “degrade shared American values, divide Americans by race, or promote ideologies that contradict federal laws.”
Moreover, the order included provisions to ensure that the American Women’s History Museum, currently under development, does not acknowledge men as women in any capacity.
The Smithsonian, which encompasses 21 museums, libraries, research centers, and the National Zoo, seemed taken aback by the sudden announcement. Shortly after the order was released on Thursday evening, several institution leaders expressed that they were just becoming aware of the new directives.
This initiative echoes Trump’s recent actions regarding the Kennedy Center, where he removed Biden appointees from its previously bipartisan board and assumed the position of chairman.
A spokesperson for the Smithsonian declined to provide comments on the matter. It is also worth noting that the institution had disbanded its diversity office after the president signed an executive order in January that prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at organizations receiving federal funding. Given that the Smithsonian derives nearly two-thirds of its $1 billion budget from federal allocations, this executive order could have profound implications.
In a particularly striking passage, Trump directed the secretary of the Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, to investigate whether any public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties under the department’s jurisdiction have been removed or altered since 2020 in a manner that perpetuates a distorted view of American history.
