Trump Orders Removal of Race-Centered Ideology from Smithsonian, Targets African American Museum

President Trump's recent executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' aims to reshape the narratives presented in the Smithsonian Institution, particularly in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The order instructs Vice President JD Vance to eliminate what Trump refers to as 'divisive race-centered ideology' from museum displays, prompting concerns from historians and civil rights advocates who argue that this could lead to the erasure of critical aspects of American history, including slavery and its implications. Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project, expressed alarm over efforts to sanitize the museum's representation of slavery, warning that it would create a distorted historical narrative. Critics, including historians and political leaders, assert that Trump's actions are part of a broader attempt to whitewash American history and deny the impacts of racism and segregation. The Smithsonian, which is partially funded by the federal government, is currently strategizing to resist presidential pressures while seeking bipartisan support to preserve its historical integrity. Trump's administration has also targeted educational content across various federal agencies, including the removal of numerous books from military libraries that promote diversity and inclusion.