Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at reinstating accuracy and rationality in American history by revitalizing essential cultural institutions and countering the proliferation of divisive ideologies.

President Trump's objective is to ensure the Smithsonian serves as a catalyst for children's imagination, celebrates American history and innovation, stands as a global emblem of American excellence, and instills pride in our nation. The Executive Order instructs the Vice President, a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to work towards eliminating inappropriate, divisive, or anti-American narratives from the Smithsonian, its museums, educational and research centers, and the National Zoo. The Order also mandates that the Administration collaborates with Congress to ensure that future funding for the Smithsonian: (1) prohibits financial support for exhibits or programs that undermine shared American values, foster racial division, or promote ideologies contrary to Federal law; and (2) honors women's achievements in the American Women's History Museum without recognizing men as women. The Vice President will partner with congressional leaders to appoint Board of Regents members dedicated to celebrating America's remarkable heritage and achievements. Additionally, the Order directs the Secretary of the Interior to restore federal parks, monuments, memorials, statues, markers, and similar sites that have been improperly altered or removed in the past five years, correcting a distorted portrayal of history or unjustly minimizing significant historical figures or events. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, the Secretary of the Interior is tasked with completing renovations and enhancements to Independence Hall by that date. COMBATING CORROSIVE IDEOLOGY: In recent years, Americans have observed a deliberate attempt to revise history and impose a flawed ideology that seeks to undermine American successes. President Trump is pushing back by reaffirming the truth in our historical narrative and restoring federal sites that honor American heritage. The previous administration advocated a divisive ideology that portrayed America's commitment to liberty as fundamentally flawed, tarnishing esteemed institutions like the Smithsonian and national parks with misleading accounts. At Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, the Biden Administration funded training from an organization promoting the dismantling of "Western foundations," instructing park rangers to let their racial identity influence how they convey history to visitors.

Once globally esteemed as a beacon of American excellence, the Smithsonian has recently espoused divisive ideologies suggesting that American and Western values are detrimental. The American Art Museum is currently showcasing an exhibit that claims "sculpture has been a powerful tool in promoting scientific racism" and argues that the U.S. has utilized race to establish and uphold systems of power, privilege, and disenfranchisement. The National Museum of African American History and Culture has stated that "hard work," "individualism," and "the nuclear family" are components of "White culture." Additionally, the American Women's History Museum intends to honor male athletes participating in women's sports. CELEBRATING AMERICAN GREATNESS: President Trump is committed to honoring America's exceptional heritage and instilling a sense of national pride. On his first day in office, President Trump signed an Executive Order to establish a task force in preparation for America's 250th anniversary.

This Order also aims to protect America's monuments from vandalism and advocates for the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes. Furthermore, President Trump signed a memorandum ensuring that federal buildings reflect the timeless elegance of traditional, classical architecture. With this Executive Order, President Trump is dedicated to ensuring that American history is celebrated accurately, fairly, and with pride—recognizing the remarkable progress, freedom, and ingenuity that define our great nation.

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