Smithsonian African American Museum Director on Leave Amid Trump Executive Order Targeting Institutions

Kevin Young, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, began indefinite personal leave on March 14. Shanita Brackett, associate director of operations, was named acting director. This departure preceded a March 27 Executive Order from Donald Trump titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' that specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution. The order claims the institution has adopted a 'divisive, race-centered ideology' and aims to counteract what it calls 'corrosive' influences. Policies in the 'Saving Our Smithsonian' section prohibit funding for exhibits that 'degrade shared American values' and deny the existence of trans women within the American Women's History Museum. Another section, 'Restoring Truth in American History,' directs the Secretary of the Interior to ensure public monuments do not 'disparage Americans past or living' and to reinstate monuments removed or altered since January 2020. The Smithsonian comprises 21 museums including NMAAHC, the American Women's History Museum, and the National Museum of American History. The Washington Post reported Young's leave status on Wednesday.