On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution and its various museums, educational, and research facilities.
Trump instructed Vice President JD Vance to eliminate any “improper, divisive, or anti-American” ideologies from programs at the Smithsonian, which is funded by the federal government.
“Once a respected emblem of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has recently been influenced by a divisive, race-oriented ideology,” the order states. “This change has propagated narratives that depict American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.”
In the executive order, Trump blames the Biden administration for fostering “corrosive ideology” within the museums, specifically calling out entities like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which he claims perpetuate “divisive” and “race-centered” concepts.
Representatives from the Smithsonian Institution did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday evening.
Vance, a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, is also charged with collaborating with congressional leaders to appoint board members who are “dedicated to promoting the celebration of America’s remarkable heritage and advancements.”
Trump’s order additionally requires Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reinstate federal parks and monuments that have been “improperly removed or altered” over the past five years to prevent the “false revision of history or to unduly minimize or disparage specific historical figures or events.”
This directive aligns with Trump’s reasoning for changing the name of Alaska’s Mount Denali back to Mount McKinley, as well as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s rationale for undoing a Biden administration action to rename military bases honoring Confederate leaders.
The order is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts against diversity, equity, and inclusion—a term commonly used for initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace culture and increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Trump has issued directives placing all federal employees involved in DEI roles on administrative leave, shutting down all DEI-related offices and programs, and eliminating references to the framework from all federal websites and social media accounts.
Additionally, the Education Department recently announced investigations into over 50 universities accused of “engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.”
Similarly, the Defense Department this month removed thousands of pages recognizing contributions from women, Black, Native American, and other minority groups in an effort to avoid promoting DEI concepts. Some pages were reinstated after public outcry.
Established by Congress in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution was designed to serve as an “establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.”
It comprises 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo, all supported by over 6,500 employees and more than 3,800 onsite volunteers. The collection of museums draws more than 17 million visitors each year.
The Smithsonian has two primary sources of funding: federal appropriations and income generated from donations, revenue-generating activities, and investments. In its latest budget request, the institution sought over $1 billion from Congress to cover “essential operating expenses.”
“Donors are typically attracted to museum openings and exhibitions, rather than the mundane annual budgetary needs for staffing, maintenance, and operations that we rely on federal assistance to address. Despite our collaborations and alternative funding sources, the U.S. Congress remains our most vital partner,” stated Lonnie G. Bunch, the Secretary for the Smithsonian, in the budget request.
Trump’s order instructs his administration to collaborate with Congress to ensure that future funding for the Smithsonian does not support exhibits or programs that “undermine shared American values, divide Americans by race, or promote ideologies inconsistent with Federal law” or “recognize men as women.”
Tara Prindiville contributed.
