In a move that has stirred controversy among historians and museum professionals, President Trump recently signed an executive order directing the Smithsonian Institution to promote “American greatness” in its exhibits and programming. The order, titled “Promoting American Greatness Through the Smithsonian Institution,” mandates that the institution prioritize showcasing the achievements and contributions of the United States in its museums and educational programs.
According to the White House, the executive order is intended to “celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of the American people” and to ensure that the Smithsonian accurately portrays the United States as a “land of opportunity and freedom.” The order specifically calls for the institution to highlight the country’s military, economic, scientific, and cultural achievements, and to present a positive and patriotic view of American history.
Critics of the executive order argue that it represents a dangerous politicization of the Smithsonian and undermines the institution’s mission to provide unbiased and scholarly presentations of American history and culture. They argue that the order could lead to a whitewashing of history and a selective presentation of facts that glorify the United States while downplaying or ignoring its darker moments, such as slavery, segregation, and discrimination.
Some historians have expressed concern that the executive order could lead to the censorship of exhibits and programs that do not align with the Trump administration’s vision of American greatness. They worry that the Smithsonian may be pressured to avoid controversial topics or to present a sanitized version of history that glosses over the complexities and contradictions of the American experience.
Additionally, critics have raised questions about the constitutionality of the executive order, arguing that it infringes on the autonomy and independence of the Smithsonian as a federally funded institution. The Smithsonian, which operates as a trust instrumentality of the United States government, is governed by a Board of Regents and is supposed to be free from political interference in its curatorial decisions and programming.
Despite the controversy surrounding the executive order, the Trump administration has defended it as a necessary step to ensure that the Smithsonian reflects the values and ideals of the American people. In a statement, the White House emphasized the importance of promoting patriotism and national pride, and argued that the Smithsonian has a responsibility to showcase the “exceptionalism” of the United States.
It remains to be seen how the Smithsonian will respond to the executive order and whether it will comply with its directives. The institution has a long history of presenting a diverse and nuanced view of American history and culture, and many hope that it will continue to uphold its commitment to scholarship, integrity, and public education in the face of political pressure. As the debate over the executive order unfolds, one thing is clear: the Smithsonian’s role as a custodian of American history and culture is more important than ever.
