Trump issues executive order targeting Smithsonian funding over "improper ideology"

US President Donald Trump unveiled an executive order on March 27 aimed at reshaping the Smithsonian Institution, with a focus on withdrawing funding from programmes that promote what he calls “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology.”

Trump stated there has been a “concerted and widespread” effort over the past decade to alter US history by replacing “objective facts” with a “distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth,” Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The executive order places JD Vance in charge of the initiative, with the goal of eliminating “improper ideology” from the Smithsonian’s museums, education centres, research facilities, and the National Zoo.

The order specifically highlights the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the yet-to-be-completed Women’s History Museum.

“Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn – not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history,” the order said.

Representatives for the Smithsonian have yet to comment on the matter.

The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, encompasses 21 museums and the National Zoo. Eleven of these museums are situated along the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The institution was founded through the estate of James Smithson, a British scientist who bequeathed his fortune to the United States to establish “at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

Alongside the Smithsonian executive order, Trump also introduced the "DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force," which will be chaired by Stephen Miller, the US Homeland Security adviser.

This new task force will focus on coordinating with local authorities to enforce federal immigration laws, including deporting individuals living illegally in the city, boosting law enforcement presence, and accelerating and reducing the cost of processing concealed carry permit applications.

Additionally, the order includes measures to remove graffiti and improve the aesthetics of Washington, DC, continuing Trump’s agenda to enhance the city’s safety and appearance.

By Aghakazim Guliyev