Trump Administration Targets Smithsonian with New Executive Order

The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to influence historical narratives in the United States by issuing an executive order that specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution. On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed the order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which criticizes what the administration perceives as a distortion of American history by museums and educational institutions.

The executive order claims there has been a “concerted and widespread effort” to reshape the nation’s history, suggesting that objective facts have been replaced with a narrative driven by ideology. The order indicates a particular concern regarding institutions like the Smithsonian, which the administration accuses of promoting “divisive, race-centered ideology.”

A Legacy of Controversy

The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846 through the bequest of British chemist James Smithson, has long been a cornerstone of American cultural and historical education. Initially established with a mission to enhance and disseminate knowledge, the institution has faced challenges throughout its history regarding how American history is interpreted and presented.

Historically, debates surrounding the Smithsonian’s exhibitions have often reflected broader societal conflicts. For instance, a 1991 exhibition titled “The West as America” faced backlash from conservatives who felt it portrayed western expansion negatively. Despite the criticism, the exhibition attracted a significant increase in attendance, indicating a public appetite for diverse historical narratives.

As recently as the 1990s, controversies flared up during preparations for an exhibition about the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Disagreements arose over the portrayal of the bomb’s impact, leading to threats of budget cuts from Congress. These historical precedents illustrate the ongoing struggle over how American history is represented in public institutions.

A Response to Contemporary Debates

The Trump administration’s actions are part of a larger trend in the political landscape, particularly in response to movements such as the 1619 Project, which seeks to place the history of slavery and its repercussions at the forefront of American history. In contrast, the administration established the 1776 Commission to promote a more traditional narrative of American history, arguing that an emphasis on the country’s flaws undermines patriotic education.

In this context, Trump’s executive order may be seen as an attempt to redefine historical discourse. The administration has expressed a desire to honor significant American figures, including Christopher Columbus and Thurgood Marshall, as part of a broader initiative to celebrate American achievements and ideals. Critics, however, argue this approach oversimplifies complex historical narratives and risks marginalizing the experiences of ordinary Americans.

The Smithsonian has been highlighted not just as a national institution but as a vital source of knowledge that supports over 200 affiliate museums and has loaned over 2 million artifacts to institutions across the globe. Despite ongoing challenges, public approval of the Smithsonian has remained relatively stable, with approximately 68% of Americans expressing favorable views toward the institution since 2020, according to YouGov.

The current executive order raises significant questions about the future of public history and the role of government in shaping historical narratives. As discussions about history continue to evolve, the challenge remains: how to present a balanced and nuanced view of the past that acknowledges both achievements and shortcomings without succumbing to ideological pressures.

While the Smithsonian remains a symbol of national heritage, its future as a public institution dedicated to education and truth may depend on navigating these contentious waters with care and integrity. As history itself is often contested, the importance of open dialogue and diverse perspectives cannot be overstated in the pursuit of understanding America’s complex past.