President Donald Trump Orders Smithsonian Overhaul to Remove 'Woke' Ideology and Restore Patriotic History
The administration announced a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian Institution to eliminate 'woke' ideology and restore a more patriotic presentation of American history. Following an executive order by President Donald Trump, the White House Domestic Policy Council conducted a 162-page review titled 'Saving America's Story.' The report concludes that the National Museum of American History has undergone 'ideological capture,' prioritizing social justice activism and decolonization over the nation's founding principles and achievements. Investigators noted that the museum's flagship America 250 exhibit failed to adequately celebrate the Founders and the American Revolution. To address these issues, the administration signed a new executive order directing federal agencies to ensure the Smithsonian reflects American exceptionalism. The administration also tasked the National Park Service with installing signs outside the museum to highlight these concerns. While the Smithsonian maintains its mission is to preserve history through scholarship, the administration's effort highlights a growing debate over how federally funded cultural institutions should retell the American story.