Donald Trump's Efforts to Rewrite History Spark Controversy
Introduction
In March of 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution. This move sparked controversy and raised concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to rewrite the nation's history.
Key Details
The executive order began with the statement, "Over the past decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation's history, replacing objective truth with politically motivated narratives." This was seen as an Orwellian turn, using language and tactics that George Orwell warned about in his novel, 1984.
The order specifically targeted the Smithsonian Institution, accusing them of promoting a biased and one-sided view of American history. It also created a task force to promote "patriotic education" and combat what the administration sees as a threat to national unity.
Impact
This move has sparked concerns about censorship and the manipulation of historical facts for political gain. Critics argue that the executive order is an attempt to control the narrative and silence opposing viewpoints. It also raises questions about the role of the government in dictating the education and preservation of history.
The Trump administration's efforts to rewrite history have also been seen in other areas, such as the revision of national park brochures and the removal of information about climate change from government websites.
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Smithsonian Institution
The **Smithsonian Institution**, founded in 1846 with funds from British scientist **James Smithson** (1765–1829), is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex dedicated to the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Smithson, who never visited the United States, left his estate—valued at over $500,000 at the time, a significant portion of the U.S. federal budget then—to establish this institution in Washington, D.C. The U.S. government accepted the bequest after lengthy debates about its constitutional authority to do so, reflecting early tensions between federal powers and states’ rights[1][4][5][6][7]. The Smithsonian operates as a trust instrumentality, governed by a Board of Regents including U.S. government officials and private members. It is not formally part of any branch of government but receives federal funding to support its mission[2][5][6]. Its first building, the iconic Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall, was completed in 1855 and serves as a symbolic home for the Institution and houses Smithson’s crypt[4][1]. Today, the Smithsonian encompasses **21 museums**, **14 education and research centers**, and the **National Zoo**, making it a comprehensive hub for cultural heritage, scientific research, and public education. Its collections include millions of artifacts, specimens, and artworks documenting American history, natural history, science, and technology. Notably, its research centers contribute to advancements in fields such as astrophysics, conservation, and environmental science[7]. Key historical achievements include the acquisition of the U.S. Exploring Expedition’s collections (1838–1842), which enriched its scientific holdings, and the launch in 1867 of its International Exchange Program, facilitating global scientific communication before the internet era[3]. The Smithsonian continues to innovate by embracing digital initiatives and expanding public access to knowledge globally. For business and technology audiences, the Smithsonian represents a unique institution that blends cultural stewardshi
