Trump Orders Smithsonian to Promote ‘American Greatness’ in Executive Order
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the Smithsonian Institution to promote “American greatness” in its exhibits and programming. The order, signed on Monday, calls for the creation of a new division within the Smithsonian dedicated to highlighting the achievements and contributions of the United States.
In a statement, President Trump said that the Smithsonian, as the nation’s premier cultural institution, has a responsibility to celebrate the “exceptionalism” of America and its people. He emphasized the need to showcase American accomplishments in areas such as science, technology, industry, and culture.
The executive order comes amid ongoing debates over the role of museums and cultural institutions in shaping national identity and history. Critics of the order argue that it represents an attempt to politicize the Smithsonian and rewrite the narrative of American history to fit a particular ideological agenda.
However, supporters of the order argue that it is important to focus on positive aspects of American history and highlight the country’s achievements in order to inspire future generations. They believe that the Smithsonian should play a key role in fostering a sense of national pride and unity.
The Smithsonian Institution, which was established in 1846, is made up of 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and a zoo. Its collections include over 154 million artifacts and specimens, ranging from the Hope Diamond to the original Star-Spangled Banner.
It remains to be seen how the new division within the Smithsonian will interpret and implement the executive order. Some have raised concerns that it could lead to a whitewashing of American history and a neglect of the darker chapters of the country’s past.
In a statement, the Smithsonian said that it is committed to promoting a balanced and inclusive portrayal of American history and culture. It emphasized the importance of presenting multiple perspectives and engaging in dialogue with diverse communities.
As the debate over the executive order continues, one thing is clear: the role of the Smithsonian in shaping American identity and history is more important than ever. It will be up to the institution to navigate these complex issues and maintain its reputation as a trusted source of knowledge and inspiration for all Americans.