What is Smithsonian and why is Trump targeting it?

US President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," has sparked controversy for targeting the Smithsonian Institution.

According to Trump, the institution has been unduly influenced by a “divisive, race-centered ideology”. It has made it a key target of his broader actions against what he calls “woke” culture within cultural and educational organizations.

However, critics argue that this order is an attempt to whitewash American history and prevent an honest reckoning with the past.

Trump's Executive Order

As part of his executive order, Trump has tasked Vice President JD Vance with ensuring that no federal funds are allocated to exhibits or programs that, in his view, either promote divisive racial ideologies or undermine shared American values.

This order comes after similar actions against institutions like the Kennedy Center and PBS, as well as federal agencies such as the Voice of America.

What Is The Smithsonian?

Founded in the 19th century, the Smithsonian Institution is a globally acknowledged complex of museums, research centers, and educational facilities.

With an annual budget exceeding USD 1 billion, it is the largest institution of its kind in the world. It was envisioned by British scientist James Smithson, who left his estate to establish an institution focused on “the advancement and spread of knowledge.”

Established in 1846, the Smithsonian operates a wide range of cultural venues, including the Air and Space Museum, the Zoo, and the Museum of African American History and Culture, among others.

Approximately 60 per cent of the Smithsonian’s funding comes from the federal government, while the rest is derived from private donations and trust funds.

Why Is Trump Criticizing The Smithsonian?

Trump's criticisms center around what he sees as the Smithsonian's adoption of ideological perspectives that he finds problematic. In his executive order, he specifically targets the Museum of African American History and Culture, claiming that it has categorized core American values such as “hard work,” “individualism,” and “the nuclear family” as aspects of "White culture."

He also criticized an upcoming exhibit at the American Women’s History Museum that highlights the achievements of trans athletes.

Trump’s Past Visit To The Smithsonian

Despite his current criticisms, Trump himself visited the Museum of African American History and Culture in 2017. During the visit, he appreciated the museum for acknowledging the contributions of African Americans to American heritage.

Reactions To Trump’s Executive Order

Trump’s executive order has drawn backlash, particularly among those who believe it undermines efforts to confront historical injustices. Dorothy Wilson, a visitor to the Museum of African American History and Culture, expressed deep concern about what the order would mean for future generations.

“It really hurts generations because your history is who you are,” Wilson was quoted as saying by news agency Associated Press.

Holly Brewer, a professor of American History at the University of Maryland, singled out the problematic nature of the order’s restrictions on certain questions. “You’re not allowed to ask about how societies have used race to establish and maintain systems of power,” Brewer said, adding that such inquiries are essential to understanding American history.

(With Inputs From AP)