Trump signs order to reshape American history narrative
- President Trump signed an executive order aimed at altering the narrative of American history.
- The order specifically targets the Smithsonian for its portrayal of American history.
- Historians have criticized this move, stating it undermines the understanding of a diverse and accurate historical narrative.
In late March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.' This order is characterized by its aim to eliminate what Trump deems as 'improper ideology' from the narrative of American history, primarily focusing on exhibitions in museums, national parks, and monuments. The Smithsonian Institution was specifically singled out, accused of providing a 'distorted narrative' of U.S. history. This initiative invites criticism from historians and educators who argue that removing uncomfortable truths from history does not foster patriotism but instead undermines the diverse tapestry that is the American past. Johns Hopkins professor Martha S. Jones emphasized that confronting hard histories empowers Americans, while U.S. History professor Chandra Manning noted the necessity of including all narratives of the past to avoid a misleading portrayal of history. The concern is that such executive actions represent a concerted effort akin to authoritarian regimes aiming to manipulate educational frameworks and historical narratives for political gain. Scholars like Jason Stanley have warned against the dangers of historical revisionism, likening these efforts to those perpetrated by other authoritarian movements worldwide. In this climate, decisions regarding how history is taught will ultimately lie with state legislatures, complicating the broader implications of Trump's order and the pushback it is receiving from various educational institutions and scholars.