On March 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reshaping the Smithsonian Institution, one of America's most prestigious cultural organizations12. The order targets funding for programs that Trump claims contain "divisive narratives" and "improper ideology," asserting that there has been a widespread effort over the past decade to rewrite American history12. This move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to challenge cultural institutions it perceives as out of step with conservative values, following similar actions taken against universities and arts organizations13.

Vice President JD Vance, who serves on the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents, has been tasked with overseeing efforts to "remove improper ideology" from all areas of the institution12. This includes the Smithsonian's museums, education and research centers, and the National Zoo. Vance's role in implementing the executive order highlights the administration's commitment to reshaping the narrative presented by one of America's most prominent cultural organizations. The decision to place a high-ranking government official in charge of this initiative underscores the significance the Trump administration attaches to controlling the presentation of American history and culture in national institutions.

The executive order specifically mentions the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Women's History Museum (in development), criticizing exhibits aimed at "ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives"12. This targeting of particular Smithsonian institutions reflects the administration's focus on reshaping the presentation of American history, especially regarding race and gender. The order directs future Smithsonian appropriations to prohibit funding for exhibits or programs that "degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy"3.

As part of the executive order, President Trump has called for the restoration and protection of federal monuments, particularly those depicting historical figures. The order directs the Smithsonian to prioritize exhibits that "celebrate American heroes" and "promote patriotic education"1. This move aligns with Trump's previous efforts to preserve controversial statues and monuments, which he views as integral to American heritage.

The administration's focus on monument restoration extends beyond the Smithsonian, encompassing a broader initiative to reshape the narrative of American history in public spaces. This directive is likely to impact how the Smithsonian presents historical figures and events, potentially leading to a reevaluation of existing exhibits and the development of new ones that align with the administration's vision of patriotic education23.

President Trump's executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution is part of a broader pattern of interventions aimed at reshaping American cultural institutions. In addition to the Smithsonian, Trump has taken action against other prominent organizations:

• Installed himself as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with the stated goal of overhauling programming, including the annual Kennedy Center Honors1.

• Signed an executive order to effectively dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency that provides crucial funding to museums and libraries across the country23.

• Forced policy changes at Columbia University by threatening the loss of federal funding1.

These actions reflect Trump's efforts to align cultural institutions with his administration's vision of American history and values, often targeting programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion2. Critics argue that these interventions pose a threat to artistic freedom and the independence of cultural organizations, while supporters view them as necessary steps to promote a more patriotic narrative of American heritage41.