By the authority vested in me as President of the United States, I hereby issue this order aimed at addressing the ongoing concerns surrounding the accurate portrayal of our Nation’s history. Over the past decade, many Americans have observed a disturbing trend: a concerted effort to rewrite history, replacing objective facts with narratives influenced by ideology rather than truth. This movement threatens to undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by portraying its foundational principles in a negative light.
This revisionist movement seeks to reconstruct our Nation’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness as inherently flawed. Instead of promoting unity and a deeper understanding of our shared past, this widespread effort deepens societal divides, fostering a sense of national shame. It disregards the significant progress America has made and the ideals that continue to inspire millions around the globe.
The previous administration advanced this corrosive ideology, notably at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, where the declaration that all men are created equal was overshadowed by training sessions sponsored by organizations advocating for the dismantling of “Western foundations.” National Historical Park rangers were pressured to allow their racial identities to dictate how they conveyed history to visitors, further perpetuating the notion that America is fundamentally racist.
Once regarded as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has recently succumbed to a divisive, race-centered ideology. This shift has led to the promotion of narratives that frame American and Western values as oppressive. For instance, the Smithsonian American Art Museum currently features an exhibit titled “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture,” which claims that “societies, including the United States, have used race to establish and maintain systems of power.” Such perspectives threaten to distort the true essence of American history.
Moreover, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has labeled virtues like “hard work,” “individualism,” and “the nuclear family” as aspects of “White culture.” Disturbingly, the forthcoming Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum intends to celebrate male athletes competing in women’s sports, further complicating the narrative of women's achievements in America.
It is the policy of my Administration to restore our Federal sites dedicated to history, including parks and museums, to be solemn and uplifting monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage. We must consistently strive to achieve a more perfect Union and honor our unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing. Museums in our Nation’s capital should serve as educational resources, not platforms for ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives.
To achieve this goal, we will work to restore the Smithsonian Institution to its rightful place as a beacon of inspiration and American greatness. Our aim is to ignite the imagination of young minds, celebrate the richness of American history, and instill a sense of pride in all Americans.
To implement this policy effectively, the Vice President, alongside the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, will collaborate on the Smithsonian Board of Regents. They will focus on removing improper ideology from the Institution's properties and recommend necessary actions to the President. Furthermore, the Vice President and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget will work with Congress to ensure future appropriations prohibit funding for exhibits or programs that undermine shared American values or promote divisive ideologies.
Moreover, the Secretary of the Interior will receive funding to improve the infrastructure of Independence National Historical Park, aiming to complete enhancements by July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Secretary of the Interior will also assess whether public monuments or memorials under the Department’s jurisdiction have been altered to promote a false reconstruction of American history. Measures will be taken to reinstate monuments that reflect the true spirit of our heritage. All public monuments should focus on celebrating the achievements and progress of the American people, honoring their contributions to our Nation's story.
This order is a commitment to restore clarity and truth in American history and ensure that our shared narrative reflects the unity and progress that define us as a Nation. It is imperative that we correct the course of historical representation and promote values that resonate with the principles of liberty and justice for all.
