Trump orders removal of ‘anti-American ideology’ from Smithsonian institutions

The executive order, titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, does not clearly define what is considered anti-American ideology. However, Reuters reports that it appears to target what conservatives view as a revisionist history of the United States, particularly narratives that highlight systemic racism.

The order specifically criticises the National Museum of African American History and Culture, claiming that it teaches visitors that values like “hard work,” “individualism,” and “the nuclear family” are elements of “White culture.” It also takes aim at the American Women’s History Museum, alleging that it promotes the inclusion of male athletes in women’s sports.

The White House has not provided further details about the order, and neither the Smithsonian nor the African American history museum has responded to requests for comment, Reuters says.

The Smithsonian Institution consists of 21 museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History, as well as multiple research centres and the National Zoo.

Trump’s broader efforts to remove diversity and inclusion programmes from government, universities, and businesses. The order also states that the previous Democratic administration under Joe Biden “pushed a divisive ideology” that distorted America’s legacy of liberty and influenced institutions such as the Smithsonian and national parks.

Trump has previously opposed the removal or renaming of Confederate monuments. Earlier this year, he reversed name changes at two US Army bases, restoring them to Fort Benning and Fort Bragg, despite a law that bans honouring Confederate generals.