Trump’s latest executive order targets the Smithsonian’s Black history museum and efforts to preserve America’s true racial past

President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," accuses the Smithsonian Institution of distorting the nation’s history. Specifically, it singles out the National Museum of African American History and Culture, claiming that it, along with the rest of the institution, engages in a "concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history." The order alleges that the Smithsonian’s exhibitions promote a divisive, race-centered ideology that undermines America’s foundational values of liberty, equality, and individual rights. By focusing on issues such as slavery, segregation, and racial violence, Trump suggests that these representations mischaracterize the nation’s true legacy, which he believes should emphasize the nation’s triumphs and its founding ideals.

Critics, however, argue that the order overlooks the inconvenient truths of America’s past, particularly the role of slavery in shaping the nation. The Founding Fathers, despite declaring that "all men are created equal," enshrined slavery in the U.S. Constitution, which counted enslaved people as only three-fifths of a person for census purposes. Civil rights advocates and historians see this move as an attempt to revise this painful history for political purposes, ignoring the brutal realities of racism and its persistent effects on American society.

The response to Trump’s executive order has been swift and harsh. Civil rights leaders, historians, and political figures have denounced the order as an attack on Black America’s historical narrative. Clarissa Myrick-Harris, a historian at Morehouse College, voiced concerns that this move is part of a broader trend to erase the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and racial violence. She fears that the intent is to deny that these systems ever existed or, if acknowledged, to downplay their significance in shaping the American experience.

Ibram X. Kendi, the renowned historian and author of Stamped from the Beginning, referred to Trump’s approach as a direct assault on Black America. Kendi described the National Museum of African American History and Culture, often affectionately referred to as the "Black Smithsonian," as “one of the heartbeats of Black America.” He emphasized that the museum plays a crucial role in telling the story of Black Americans' struggle, resilience, and contributions to the nation. Furthermore, Yvette Clarke, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, responded by underscoring the importance of confronting America’s full history—“the good, the bad, and the ugly”—rather than whitewashing it.

In a dramatic reversal, Trump’s current stance on the Smithsonian’s African American Museum contrasts sharply with his previous praise. During a visit to the museum in 2017, Trump described it as a "national gem" and expressed pride in the tribute it paid to African Americans’ contributions to the nation. At the time, Trump acknowledged the importance of highlighting the history of enslaved people and celebrated the museum’s role in educating Americans about the Black experience. He even mentioned how honored he was to be only the second sitting president to visit the museum, following Barack Obama’s visit during its opening in 2016.

However, this positive sentiment has since been replaced by criticism, with Trump’s latest executive order targeting what he now claims is a distorted historical narrative. The museum’s focus on slavery, segregation, and its long-lasting effects no longer fits within his vision of American history. Instead of celebrating these stories, Trump’s order calls for a broader re-examination of how American history is told—one that, according to critics, risks erasing the experiences of marginalized communities.

Trump’s executive order is just the latest chapter in his ongoing battle against what he calls "woke" culture. Since his inauguration, Trump has sought to dismantle diversity initiatives across the federal government, accusing them of promoting divisiveness. His administration has banned diversity training and launched investigations into colleges with race-conscious admissions programs. Trump has also made a series of controversial moves, including firing top military officials and diversity officers and curbing funding for projects aimed at addressing racial inequities.

The broader cultural context for Trump’s actions is rooted in his attempt to reshape the national discourse on race. His criticism of the Smithsonian and his attempts to downplay the significance of racism reflect his ongoing war against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that have gained traction in recent years. Critics argue that these efforts are crucial for addressing systemic inequalities, particularly for Black Americans, and they warn that Trump’s actions risk undoing decades of progress in the fight for racial justice.

The impact of Trump’s executive order is not limited to the Smithsonian. Historians and civil rights activists are concerned about a broader chilling effect on institutions that focus on Black history and culture. Many of these museums and educational centers, such as the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, already struggle with limited resources and lack of funding. The fear is that Trump's attacks could further isolate these institutions, making it even more difficult for them to continue telling the stories of enslaved people, segregation, and racial injustice.

Ibram X. Kendi warned that the administration’s actions could lead to the closure of vital institutions that offer an honest account of America’s history. Kendi suggested that this strategy may be part of a broader effort to suppress educational content that challenges the political narrative of the current administration, turning historical institutions into tools of propaganda. This raises important questions about the future of museums, archives, and educational programs dedicated to preserving the history of marginalized communities, especially if the federal government pulls back support.

This comprehensive analysis covers the key elements of Trump’s executive order while balancing a formal tone with engaging insights into the ongoing cultural battle over history and racial justice.