Trump signs executive order directing JD Vance to remove ‘improper ideology’ from Smithsonian museums

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, March 27, that directed Vice President JD Vance to remove "improper, divisive, or anti-American" from the National Zoo, Smithsonian museums, and other such institutions, Mediaite reported.

The order read, "Once widely respected as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology."

Donald Trump signs executive order to remove 'improper ideology' from institutions

Donald Trump's order further read, "This shift has promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive."

Trump also directed Vance to "work to effectuate the policies of this order through his role on the Smithsonian Board of Regents with respect to the Smithsonian Institution and its museums, education and research centers, and the National Zoo, including by seeking to remove improper ideology from such properties, and shall recommend to the President any additional actions necessary to fully effectuate such policies."

Moreover, in the order, the POTUS accused the Biden administration of advancing "corrosive ideology" at the museums, mentioning certain entities, like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, that he said perpetuated "divisive" and "race-centered" ideas, per NBC News.

Trump mentioned in the order, "It is the policy of my Administration to restore Federal sites dedicated to history, including parks and museums, to solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing."

The POTUS further announced that his administration would work to prohibit spending on "exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy."

Moreover, it would also prohibit the American Women’s History Museum from recognizing transgender people "as women in any respect," as per Mediaite.

JD Vance was appointed to the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents earlier in 2025 after being sworn in as the vice president.

Moreover, Trump’s order also directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to restore federal parks and monuments that have been "improperly removed or changed" in the last five years to perpetuate "a false revision of history or improperly minimize or disparage certain historical figures or events," according to NBC News.

Donald Trump slammed as he signs executive order to remove 'improper and anti-American' ideology from museums

Several social media users slammed President Donald Trump after he signed an executive order that directed Vice President JD Vance to remove "improper, divisive, or anti-American" ideology from the National Zoo, Smithsonian museums, and other institutions. 

They took to the comments section of a news article to express their anger.

One reader wrote, "Our country and what it stands for is under attack by its own President. The meaning of 'Improper Ideology' is anything that he doesn't like."

Another said, "In 250 years of our free democracy presidents have come and gone. Many of these presidents had worked very hard to get us where we are today; a country of freedom, free speech and opportunity. One guy comes and thinks he can just about speak for all of us Americans in destroying our heritage single handedly."

One person stated, "Trump and Vance are the adversaries of our Constitution and our Democracy. There are boundaries for the damage they are doing and will continue to do."

Another remarked, "Not sure if putting someone who's done more to ignore history than study it, in charge of promoting historical culture. He's been known to be factually challenged."

One individual asked, "So again when will he do all the things he promised before he won? Egg prices, gas prices, lower inflation etc."

Another added, "And we thought Trump was going to work on making high prices disappear. So far he has only worked on making things and people he doesn't like disappear."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.