On Thursday, the President, Donald Trump, issued an executive order revealing his plans to revamp the Smithsonian Institution by redirecting funding away from programs that extend “divisive narratives” and promote “improper ideology.” According to Trump, the last decade has seen a coordinated effort to alter the historical narrative of the United States, substituting objective facts with a “distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth.”
Trump appointed JD Vance to oversee the removal of improper ideology from the Smithsonian Institution which encompasses its museums, educational and research centers, and the National Zoo. Specifically, programs such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, as well as the Women’s history museum currently in development, have been targeted.
The executive order asserts that the museums in the nation’s capital should serve an educational function rather than promote ideological indoctrination and divisive narratives that distort our shared history. Representatives from the Smithsonian Institution have yet to comment on the matter.
Established by James Smithson, a British scientist who bequeathed his estate to the United States, the Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest combined museum, education, and research complex. It currently comprises 21 museums and the National Zoo, with 11 museums located along the National Mall in Washington.
In addition to his plans for the Smithsonian, Trump also introduced the “DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force” by executive order on Thursday. Homeland security adviser, Stephen Miller, will chair the task force which will collaborate with local officials on enforcing federal immigration laws, increasing the police presence, and streamlining the procedure for applying to carry concealed weapons. The order also includes provisions for removing graffiti and undertaking other measures to improve the city’s aesthetic.
Trump has consistently voiced his aims to enhance the city’s safety and beauty, reflecting the underlying aims of the task force.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/27/trump-smithsonian-executive-order
