Trump’s Executive Order Targets Smithsonian Exhibits
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that has sparked significant backlash, specifically aimed at the Smithsonian Institution, which encompasses a variety of museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The order intends to limit federal funding for exhibits or programs that are critical of the United States or those perceived to foster division based on race.
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
The executive order outlines several critical directives:
- Federal funding will be denied to displays that “divide Americans based on race” or feature ideologies inconsistent with established federal law.
- The order calls for the elimination of what it terms “improper ideology” from Smithsonian education and research centers.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is directed to restore monuments and memorials altered or removed since 2020.
Reactions from the Public and Experts
The response to this order has been overwhelmingly negative. Journalist Lauren Wolfe described the action as “unabashed fascism,” reflecting a wider concern over the implications for historical narratives. Similarly, Amy Rutenberg, a history professor, expressed her fears upon visiting the museums, anticipating a swift move toward censorship of certain exhibits.
Jeff Stein, journalist and founding editor of SpyTalk, criticized the order, stating that it echoes a Soviet-like attempt to eliminate “improper ideology” from American cultural institutions.
Focus on Specific Smithsonian Museums
The order specifically addresses certain Smithsonian museums, notably the National Museum of African American History and Culture and a forthcoming plan for an American Women’s History Museum. The White House described the latter as intended to highlight “the exploits of male athletes participating in women’s sports.”
Political Implications
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) drew parallels between Trump’s actions against the Smithsonian and his broader strategy to undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal institutions. She stated, “First Trump removes any reference of diversity from the present—now he’s trying to remove it from our history.” Crockett emphasized that erasing historical facts is neither possible nor acceptable.
Conclusion
This executive order represents a significant shift in how cultural institutions like the Smithsonian may function and reflect the complexities of American history. As this issue unfolds, the debate surrounding historical representation and ideological influence within public institutions is likely to become increasingly contentious.
