Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History
## Summary This executive order aims to change how American history is presented in federal museums and parks by removing what it calls "divisive" or "ideological" content. It directs agencies to prioritize exhibits that celebrate national achievements and unity over narratives focused on race, oppression, or social constructs. The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution and Independence National Historical Park for these changes. ## Key Points - Requires federal history sites to focus on positive aspects of American heritage and progress - Prohibits funding for exhibits deemed to promote divisive ideologies or criticize shared values - Mandates review and potential reinstatement of monuments or markers changed since 2020 ## Impact Areas - Smithsonian museums and their educational programming - National parks and historical sites under Interior Department jurisdiction
This executive order, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," aims to reshape how American history is presented in federally funded institutions like museums and national parks. It asserts that recent historical interpretations have promoted divisive, ideology-driven narratives that undermine national unity and pride. The order directs federal agencies to remove exhibits or programs it deems as promoting negative views of American history and values, and instead focus on celebrating the nation's achievements and progress.
Key Points
- 1Directs the Vice President and other officials to work with the Smithsonian Institution to remove exhibits or programs that are seen as promoting ideologies that "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans based on race."
- 2Requires future Smithsonian funding to prohibit expenditures on programs that include content inconsistent with the order's policies, such as recognizing men as women in the American Women's History Museum.
- 3Mandates the Secretary of the Interior to review and potentially reinstate monuments, memorials, or markers removed since January 1, 2020, if they are deemed to have been changed to promote a "false reconstruction of American history."
- 4Allocates funding for infrastructure improvements at Independence National Historical Park to be completed by July 4, 2026.
- 5Clarifies that the order does not create any new legal rights or benefits and must be implemented within existing laws and budgetary constraints.