The President of the United States has issued an executive order focusing on restoring what is described as "truth and sanity" to American history. The order reflects concerns over what the administration perceives as a recent trend to revise America's history in a way that emphasizes negative aspects and ideological narratives. The President argues that this trend is causing divisions and undermining the nation’s values of liberty, individual rights, and human happiness.
The order mentions past actions by the previous administration, specifically criticizing training sessions at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These sessions, the current administration states, were influenced by an organization aiming to dismantle Western foundations and explore institutional racism.
Concern is also expressed about the Smithsonian Institution. The order singles out exhibits such as "The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture" and comments from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, describing them as encouraging divisive racial ideologies.
The policy proposed by the President's current administration aims to convert Federal historical sites into "solemn and uplifting public monuments." The order calls for changes at the Smithsonian Institution to recenter its focus on inspiration and American achievements.
To implement these changes, the Vice President, in consultation with senior administration officials, is tasked with working on the Smithsonian Board of Regents and liaising with Congress. Proposals include restricting funding for exhibits that degrade American values and ensuring women are correctly represented in the American Women’s History Museum.
The order also mandates the Secretary of the Interior to allocate funds to enhance the infrastructure of Independence National Historical Park by July 4, 2026. This project aims to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The order requires the Secretary of the Interior to review and possibly reinstate any historically significant monuments removed or altered since January 2020. The goal is to ensure these monuments reflect the achievements of the American people, or relate to the country's natural beauty.
Finally, the order clarifies that it does not create any legal rights or benefits enforceable by law against the United States or its entities.
