US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at removing what he calls "improper ideology" from the Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo, further expanding his conservative efforts to influence cultural institutions.
Trump, who has sought to root out what he terms "woke" culture since returning to office in January, accused the Smithsonian of attempting to rewrite American history, particularly on issues of race and gender. The order places Vice President JD Vance in charge of overseeing efforts to implement these changes across the Smithsonian’s museums, education, and research centers.
The Smithsonian, which operates 21 renowned museums and galleries, including the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., has faced criticism from Trump for promoting what he considers "corrosive ideology." His order targets examples such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which allegedly described hard work and the nuclear family as "aspects of 'White Culture.'" Trump also criticized a proposed American Women’s History Museum for celebrating male athletes in women’s sports.
The Smithsonian Institute, founded in the 19th century with a donation from British chemist James Smithson, has yet to respond publicly to the order.
Trump’s Broader Cultural Reforms
This move is part of Trump’s wider campaign to reshape U.S. government institutions, particularly in cultural and governance matters. Recently, he took over the chairmanship of the Kennedy Center, accusing it of being too liberal. Additionally, Trump has been vocal about reforming the governance of Washington, D.C., which he has criticized for high crime rates and unsightly issues such as graffiti.
In a separate order, titled "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful," Trump directed the creation of a task force to focus on immigration enforcement and law enforcement priorities. The order also includes a plan for beautifying the city, which Trump has repeatedly described as a "nightmare" of crime and decay.
Washington, D.C., which has a population larger than two states, is uniquely governed and has no voting representation in Congress. Despite the city's predominantly Democratic makeup, city officials have sought a conciliatory relationship with the Trump administration, responding quickly to requests such as removing homeless encampments and altering public murals.