In this article, I will explore the reasons for Donald Trump’s current friction with Smithsonian Institution.
Controversy was ignited during his presidency over the recent executive orders attempting to change the narrative of history presented by the prestigious museum complex and is now questioned whether political power is trying to overpower culture.
Executive Order 14253: A Change in the Telling of American History
As of March 31, 2025, Critical Race Theory or deviants recognition would be banned as the President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 ‘Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History’.
This order directs the scrutiny of the Smithsonian exhibits and programs that are regarded not to advance “Critical Ideology” Programs like trans recognition and racial inclusion would be removed .
The order expects work from Vice President JD Vance and mandates him upon these revisions making sure it fits the narrative that the administration considers patriotic.
The Smithsonian’s Reaction: Defending Academic Excellence
To counter the executive order, the Smithsonian Institution March 31 issued a separate order stating they will uphold the diverse and accurate portrayal of history and its narratives.
Secretary Lonnie Bunch defended the Smithsonian saying it will be non-partisan and politically irrelevant to make changes to its exhibits stating the core mission of the ‘revised’ is centered
The Smithsonian doe shuttered its diversity office and now suffers from federal hiring freezes, but the claims it will remain true to its core mission will not be affected.
Wider Consequences: Sociocultural and Political
The conflict between the Smithsonian and Trump’s government stems a Moroccan ripple on the legacy of cha giving public institutions a distinct representation of a singular narrative controlled institution or culture.
Critics argue that an the executive order was created with the intention of scrubbing the American history for the sake of ensuring the smooth functioning of American policies which include subordinating and, in general, simplifying the existence of minority groups.
Supporters, on the other hand, consider these actions essential for restoring a single American identity that is unified by core American principles.
In the midst of this debate, the Smithsonian’s responsibilities as a guardian of American history come under unparalleled focus. The result of this clash may have far-reaching consequences, for public institutions and their self-governance with regard to civic history.
