US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at the Smithsonian institution, which operates more than 20 museums and research centers visited by millions a year in Washington and New York.
The order directs the Vice-President to “remove the incorrect, dividing or anti-American ideology” from museums, the institute centers and the National Zoo in Washington.
It also directed the Interior Secretary to restore federal properties, including parks, memorials and statues that “have been incorrectly removed or changed in the last five years to continue the false revision of history.”
This move is part of Trump's efforts to shape American culture, in addition to politics.
The Order is entitled “Restoration of Truth and Strength in American History.” It states that Vice President JD Vance, who has become a member of the Smith Council of Regents because of his position in the government, will lead the purge.
Trump's order says Congress should not fund Smithsonian exhibits and programs that “divide Americans by race.” It claims that the American Museum of Women, which is under development, plans to “recognize men as women.”
He also separates the National Museum of African -American History and Culture, saying that the museum “has declared that” hard work “,” individualism “and” nuclear family “are aspects of” white culture “. The museum opened in 2016 in Washington as former President Barack Obama, the first black president in America, was leaving office.
Smithsonian museums offer free entry to some 15 to 30 million visitors Every year. He operates 21 museums in Washington, Virgina and New York.
They include the National Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery, the American Museum of Arts, the National Zoo and more than a dozen others.
The order also instructed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to complete “Restorations and Improvements” in the Independence Hall in Philadelphia. It comes before the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which took place in the building.
Trump has set out to re -radically reshape the American culture, which he said was polluted by a “awakened” left ideology. He has signed several orders that are intended to remove programs for diversity, justice and inclusion from the federal government – some of which have led to legal challenges.
Shortly after he took office, Trump fired John F Kennedy's Center for John F Kennedy in Washington and was installed as chairman.
This move has led to widespread criticism by the actors and directors, which has led several to cancel upcoming performances.