"Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History": Examining President Trump's Executive Order on the Smithsonian and National Monuments
- Mary Katherine Fickel
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
On March 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," directing the Smithsonian Institution to remove content deemed "improper, divisive, or anti-American" from its exhibitions. The order also mandates the restoration of monuments, memorials, statues, and markers that have been removed from public spaces since 2020. Vice President JD Vance has been assigned the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of this directive.
Background of the Executive Order
The executive order asserts that the Smithsonian Institution, once a symbol of American excellence, has incorporated divisive, race-centered ideologies into its exhibits. The administration contends that such content distorts American history and undermines shared national values. The order aims to ensure that the Smithsonian serves as an institution that inspires children, celebrates American history and innovation, and instills pride among Americans.
Role of Vice President JD Vance
As a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, Vice President JD Vance is tasked with collaborating with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and other officials to identify and remove content considered improper from Smithsonian properties, including museums, education and research centers, and the National Zoo. He is also responsible for recommending additional actions to fully implement the policies outlined in the executive order.
Specific Targets Within the Smithsonian
The executive order specifically mentions certain Smithsonian entities:
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Criticized for presenting aspects of "White culture" in a manner deemed divisive by the administration.
American Women's History Museum: The order prohibits this forthcoming museum from recognizing transgender women in its exhibits, aligning with the administration's stance on gender recognition.
American Art Museum: An exhibit focused on race in sculpture has been highlighted as an example of content that the administration believes promotes divisive narratives.
Restoration of Monuments and Memorials
Beyond the Smithsonian, the executive order directs the Secretary of the Interior to restore national monuments and statues that have been removed or altered since 2020. This includes monuments that were taken down during protests and movements addressing racial injustice. The order emphasizes the importance of preserving historical monuments as symbols of American heritage.
Implications for Funding and Exhibits
The order stipulates that the Smithsonian is prohibited from hosting or funding exhibits that "degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy." This directive aims to influence the content and themes of future exhibitions and educational programs within the institution.
Reactions and Perspectives
The executive order has elicited a range of responses:
Supporters: Advocates argue that the order is a necessary step to prevent the revision of American history through a lens they consider biased or unpatriotic. They believe it reinforces a unified national identity and ensures that federal institutions reflect shared values.
Critics: Opponents contend that the order represents an attempt to control historical narratives and suppress diverse perspectives. They express concern that it may lead to censorship and undermine efforts to present a comprehensive and inclusive account of American history.
Historical Context
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to influence cultural and educational institutions. In 2020, President Trump established the 1776 Commission, aimed at promoting "patriotic education" and countering what the administration described as a radicalized view of American history. The commission sought to provide a curriculum that emphasized the nation's founding principles and achievements. Wikipedia
The "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order represents a significant policy action with implications for how American history is presented in federal institutions. By directing the removal of content deemed divisive and mandating the restoration of certain monuments, the administration aims to shape the narrative of the nation's past in a manner consistent with its interpretation of shared American values. The implementation and impact of this order will likely be the subject of ongoing discussion and analysis in the cultural and political spheres.
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