Sat Mar 29 06:22:22 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s Executive Order Sparks Outrage Over Smithsonian’s “Divisive Ideology”
**Washington, D.C.** – President Donald Trump has issued an executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution, prompting widespread criticism from historians and civil rights groups. The order aims to remove what the President deems “divisive ideology” from the Smithsonian’s museums and research centers, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and even the National Zoo.
The order follows Trump’s previous takeover of the Kennedy Center and is seen by critics as an attempt to control the narrative of American history. Yale University’s David Blight, head of the Organization of American Historians, called the order “arrogant and appalling,” stating that the administration lacks the authority to dictate how history is presented.
The executive order suggests the potential restoration of Confederate monuments and implies that exhibits addressing race and gender are inherently “anti-American.” Margaret Huang of the Southern Poverty Law Center denounced the order as an attempt to “erase our history” and mask racism and white supremacy as patriotism.
The Smithsonian, a partially federally funded institution, has historically maintained programming independence. However, critics fear Trump’s intervention will compromise the institution’s ability to present a nuanced and inclusive view of American history, potentially leading to resignations among staff. Historians argue that the Smithsonian’s efforts to diversify its narratives and broaden the understanding of American identity are vital to a healthy democracy. The long-term consequences of this executive action remain to be seen, but the immediate reaction is one of significant concern over the politicization of a vital cultural institution.
First Piper 