Trump Pushes to Restore 'Truth in American History,' Targets DEI at Smithsonian

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at "restoring truth and sanity" in American history. The directive focuses on reforming the Smithsonian Institution, safeguarding national monuments, and challenging ideologies he claims are divisive in public institutions. The move is nothing short of a declaration of cultural war, and it's clear Trump is doubling down on his vision of America's historical narrative.

The order tasks Vice President JD Vance with purging "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from Smithsonian-managed entities, including its museums, research centers, and even the National Zoo. The administration has also called on Congress to ensure taxpayer money is not used to fund exhibits or programs that "degrade shared American values" or promote ideologies that divide Americans by race.

According to the order, Americans have been subjected to a "concerted effort to rewrite history" through what it calls factually baseless ideologies that aim to diminish the nation's achievements. Trump's rhetoric here is as unyielding as ever, accusing the Smithsonian of promoting anti-Western narratives. He specifically takes issue with exhibits suggesting that sculptures have been wielded to "promote scientific racism" and that systemic racial hierarchies have defined American power structures.

The controversy doesn’t stop there. The executive order criticizes the National Museum of African American History and Culture for previously suggesting that traits like "hard work," "individualism," and "the nuclear family" are aspects of "White culture." It also directs that the forthcoming American Women’s History Museum only recognize biological women, pointedly rejecting the recognition of trans women.

Trump is also bringing back his earlier passion project: the restoration of national parks, monuments, and statues altered or removed in recent years. Agencies have been ordered to complete these restorations ahead of America's 250th anniversary in 2026. The order revives the National Garden of American Heroes, a concept first introduced in 2020 to honor key historical figures.

"This administration is committed to ensuring that American history is celebrated accurately, fairly, and with pride," the order concludes. As of now, the Smithsonian has not issued a public response to the directive.