Nationwide — President Donald Trump’s newest government order targets the Smithsonian Establishment, accusing it of spreading “divisive” ideologies. His assault contains the Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition in Washington, DC, and his order pushes for a extra conventional, unity-focused narrative, sparking criticism from historians and cultural advocates who concern this transfer will oversimplify American historical past.
Trump’s directive, led by Vice President JD Vance, seeks to reshape how the Smithsonian presents American historical past by way of its museums and packages. The order calls for brand spanking new board members aligned with Trump’s imaginative and prescient, specializing in a extra conventional, much less nuanced portrayal of the nation’s previous. Trump believes the Smithsonian has embraced a “race-centered” ideology that misrepresents American values and historical past, in accordance with AP News.
Whereas the Smithsonian has lengthy been an emblem of American achievement, Trump’s order accuses the establishment of selling a story that divides quite than unites. The Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition is particularly focused, with Trump claiming it perpetuates division as an alternative of fostering nationwide unity.
Past the Smithsonian, the chief order additionally features a name for investigations into federal parks and monuments. Trump desires to look at whether or not these websites have been altered to misrepresent historic occasions or figures, referencing his earlier push to rename Alaska’s Mount Denali again to Mount McKinley.
Beneath the brand new order, future federal funding for the Smithsonian will rely on whether or not its packages align with Trump’s view of American values. Displays or initiatives that promote concepts Trump deems divisive—resembling these targeted on race or gender—might lose their funding.
