President Donald Trump is seeking to restore “truth and sanity to American history” by removing “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” from the Smithsonian Institution.
On Thursday, as part of the White House’s ongoing effort to reshape American culture and eliminate references to diversity, equity and inclusion from public life, the president signed an executive order aimed at reversing what he calls a “corrosive ideology” that he claims was “advanced” by the previous administration.
The order — “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” — is designed to overhaul the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, which is visited by approximately 17 million people every year.
Founded nearly 180 years ago, the prestigious institution operates 17 museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. as well as two museums in New York: the National Museum of the American Indian and the Cooper Hewitt, the nation’s only museum devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design.
In his latest executive order, Trump directed Vice President JD Vance, who serves on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to work with Congress to deny funding to “exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values.”
Vance, who serves as one of the Smithsonian’s 17 board members as part of his official duties, will also oversee the removal of “improper ideology” from the institution’s properties.
According to the president, examples of “improper ideology” include an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture” and an upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, which “plans on celebrating” transgender athletes.