Trump Administration Orders Ideological Warning Signs at Smithsonian
The Trump administration has announced an executive order titled "Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution," mandating the installation of temporary signs outside the National Museum of American History. These signs will address the concept of "Ideological Capture." This move intensifies the current Culture Wars, diverging from past Republican disputes that didn't include museum vandalism. Key officials overseeing the implementation include the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Meanwhile, Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Smithsonian Secretary, has reiterated the organization's dedication to impartiality, amidst attempts to downplay discussions of slavery and marginalized communities.
Key facts
- Trump executive order 'Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution' issued last Friday.
- Signage will be installed on National Park Service sidewalks outside the National Museum of American History.
- Signs will inform visitors of 'Ideological Capture.'
- Order tasks Secretary of Interior, OMB Director, GSA Administrator, and Assistant to President for Domestic Policy.
- Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III has maintained impartiality.
- Past controversial exhibitions include 'The West as America' (1991), 'Enola Gay' (1995), and 'Hide/Seek' (2010).
- Smithsonian founded in 1846 by James Smithson.
- Institution holds 157 million objects across 21 museums and 200+ affiliates.
Entities
Artists
- Andres Serrano
- Robert Mapplethorpe
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum of American History
- National Park Service
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Endowment of the Arts
- Kennedy Center
- Public Broadcasting Service
- Heritage Foundation
- Creation Museum
- Office of Management and Budget
- General Services Administration
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- White House
- The Washington Post
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States
- Manhattan
- Washington, D.C.