A group of 71 House Democrats is urging the inspector general of the Smithsonian Institution to investigate a March executive order by President Donald Trump, warning that the directive could breach federal law and threaten the museum network’s autonomy.
In a letter led by representatives Ayanna Pressley and Paul Tonko, lawmakers condemned Executive Order 14253, which mandates the removal of exhibits and materials deemed “divisive” or promoting “race-centered ideology” from federally funded museums. The order, they argue, undermines the Smithsonian’s congressionally mandated independence and ability to present an accurate account of American history.
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“Trump’s agenda is anti-freedom and anti-truth,” said representative Pressley, calling the policy a deliberate attempt to stifle critical learning. “They want a citizenry that’s ignorant and uninformed.”
Established in 1846, the Smithsonian is expected to remain nonpartisan and free from political interference. The letter warns that conditioning funding on ideological conformity risks breaching legal protections designed to ensure its independence.
Representative Tonko added, “We gain nothing by stamping out the rich and diverse history of our nation.”
The executive order is part of a wider pattern of legal and political controversy surrounding the administration’s efforts to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives across the federal government. Over 200 lawsuits have been filed challenging actions on immigration, environmental regulation, and civil rights policy.
Recent instances include the temporary removal of content on African American history from government websites.