President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to curtail what he calls "anti-American ideology" in the Smithsonian Institution.
According to Breitbart, the newly signed order requires changes in funding and the portrayal of American heritage across Smithsonian venues.
On Thursday, President Trump’s administration formalized this directive, aiming to reshape the cultural and historical narrative presented by the institution. The order was first reported by the New York Post.
Under the new regulations, the Smithsonian cannot allocate funds to exhibits or programs that potentially undermine or split the American populace based on race. Additionally, it cannot promote ideologies that are inconsistent with Federal US law.
This decision involves significant oversight by the Smithsonian Board of Regents, including the Vice President, who is tasked with the enforcement of these directives. The order also has specific stipulations for new projects, including the American Women’s History Museum, ensuring that exhibits celebrate women's actual achievements.
In light of plans from 2023 to include transgender women in the Museum of American Women, the executive order specifically calls for a focus on biological women's achievements exclusively. This directive marks a significant shift in the museum's narrative approach since its donor gathering phase.
The Smithsonian had previously sparked debate in 2020 when its National Museum of African American History and Culture put up a web page discussing "whiteness" in America. This event has partly fueled the current administrative actions. Moreover, President Trump’s order ensures federal parks and monuments that have been improperly altered in the past five years are restored to their original state.
During his first term, President Trump was vocal about protecting national monuments, including those depicting key historical figures like Jesus Christ and the Founding Fathers. His commitment is reiterated in this executive order with specific measures outlined to guard these symbols of American history.
This is not the first time the president has acted to safeguard historical and cultural icons. Following a 2020 Breitbart News report, he signed another executive order aimed at protecting national monuments and statues from vandalism or destruction.
President Trump said:
"They’re looking at Jesus Christ. They’re looking at George Washington. They’re looking at Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson. Not going to happen. Not going to happen as long as I’m here."
This latest move by President Trump follows his long-established policy stand against what he deems anti-American activities within major national institutions. The executive order's impact extends beyond just legal measures; it reflects an ideological stance on national identity, heritage, and the historical narratives promoted through federally funded institutions.
The Smithsonian Institution, known for its significant role in cultural preservation and education, now faces a new chapter in its administration and presentation of American history.
It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the institution's operations and the public response to the newly mandated direction. Nonetheless, it is evident that President Trump’s administration remains committed to a traditional portrayal of American values and history.
The effect of this order looks to redefine the cultural landscape of federally supported museums and historic sites, steering them towards a narrative that aligns more closely with the values espoused by the current administration.
