Why is President Trump targeting the Smithsonian institution and what does it mean for American history?

The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846, is a global leader in education, research, and the arts, comprising 19 museums, 21 libraries, and several research centers, including the National Zoo. Originally conceived by James Smithson, a British scientist who left his fortune to establish the institution, its mission is to "increase and diffuse knowledge" through diverse collections and exhibits. With an annual budget exceeding $1 billion, it relies heavily on federal funding, but also receives contributions from private sources, including philanthropic donations. The Smithsonian plays a key role in preserving and presenting American history, art, culture, and scientific discovery. Its educational programs reach millions of visitors each year, and its research contributes to advancements in multiple fields. However, its focus on comprehensive, inclusive history has made it a focal point for political debates about race, identity, and culture in the United States.

President Trump’s executive order targets specific Smithsonian exhibits that he believes promote divisive and "woke" ideologies. A major point of contention is the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which Trump claims associates core American values like "individualism" and "hard work" with "White culture." Additionally, he criticizes the American Women’s History Museum’s upcoming exhibit about trans athletes, claiming that it endorses ideologies that undermine traditional American values. Trump’s objections reflect a larger conservative pushback against what they see as the promotion of identity politics and racial division within cultural institutions. By issuing this order, Trump aims to prevent federal funding from supporting exhibits or programs that he believes deviate from what he considers mainstream American values, focusing instead on ideologies he deems divisive or contrary to federal law.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has become a significant cultural landmark since its opening in 2016. The museum showcases African American experiences, celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans. Trump, who previously praised the museum after visiting in 2017, has since taken issue with some of its content. One of the key points in his executive order is his claim that the museum’s interpretation of values such as individualism and hard work as “White culture” is an example of ideological overreach. The museum also explores difficult topics like slavery, racial segregation, and systemic inequality, which some conservatives, including Trump, argue portray an overly negative view of American history. While the museum aims to provide a comprehensive view of African American life, its focus on racial justice and systemic racism has become a flashpoint in the broader debate about how race and history should be taught in the United States.

Trump’s executive order has sparked outrage from historians, academics, civil rights organizations, and other cultural institutions. Many critics argue that the order seeks to erase crucial parts of American history, particularly with respect to race, gender, and identity. Historians like Holly Brewer from the University of Maryland have pointed out that such an order would limit important discussions about the role of race in American history and society. Critics emphasize that understanding the nation’s history requires confronting uncomfortable truths, including the legacy of slavery, segregation, and discrimination. Civil rights groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center have also condemned the order, arguing that it threatens to silence the narratives of marginalized communities. For these critics, Trump’s push to sanitize history is an attempt to diminish the significance of movements for racial justice and civil rights, which have been central to shaping a more inclusive and equitable America. The controversy underscores the growing tension between those who advocate for a more inclusive understanding of American history and those who seek to preserve a more traditional narrative.