Lawmakers Push for Investigation into Trump's Executive Order Aimed at Regulating Museum Content
House Democrats Petition Smithsonian Inspector General for Probe of Trump Executive Order
A coalition of 71 Democratic representatives has requested an investigation into Executive Order 14253, issued by former President Donald Trump, alleging the order poses a threat to the Smithsonian Institution's autonomy and adherence to federal law.
The order, which mandates the removal of displays and materials deemed "divisive" or promoting "race-centric ideology" from federally funded museums, has ignited concern among congressional officials who argue it undermines the Smithsonian's constitutional independence and its capacity to deliver an accurate portrayal of American history.
Led by Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Paul Tonko, the legislators scrutinize the directive as a potential breach of federal law, given its potential impact on the Smithsonian's mandate to remain nonpartisan and free from political influence.
In a letter, the congressional group criticizes the executive order, arguing it could jeopardize the institution's cultural and historical integrity by altering the narrative presented in its exhibits. Moreover, they contend the order may risk compromising the Smithsonian's independence, allowing political influence in its curation of displays.
Representative Pressley asserts, "Truth and freedom are at the core of American democracy. Trump's executive order is an affront to both, aimed at silencing critical thought and shaping history to suit a specific ideology."
In their call to action, the Democrats implore the Smithsonian's inspector general to launch an inquiry, emphasizing the need to defend the institution's independence and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
The executive order is part of the administration's broader effort to dismantle diversity and inclusion initiatives across federal entities. Over 200 lawsuits have been filed challenging actions on immigration, environmental regulation, and civil rights policy, raising ethical and legal questions surrounding the rollback of such initiatives.
While concerns about the Stonewall exhibit's temporarily removed content from government websites have surfaced recently, the ongoing dispute underlines the ongoing debate concerning cultural representation and the role of federal oversight in institutions tasked with preserving national history and culture.
[1] History.com editors. (2020). The Smithsonian Institution. History.com. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.history.com/topics/us-government-politics/the-smithsonian-institution
[2] Dodson, S. (2021). The Political Controversy Surrounding the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Smithsonian American History. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://americanhistory.si.edu/the-political-controversy-surrounding-smithsonians-national-museum-african-american-history-and-culture
[3] Richey, W. G. (2021). The Trump administration's attempt to destroy the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Conversation. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://theconversation.com/the-trump-administrations-attempt-to-destroy-the-smithsonians-national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture-152802
- The investigation requested by House Democrats, led by Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Paul Tonko, is aimed at examining the impact of Executive Order 14253 on the Smithsonian Institution, particularly its potential breach of federal law and possible threat to the museum's policy-and-legislation-based autonomy and accurate portrayal of war-and-conflicts, art, and general-news in its exhibits.
- The executive order, which mandates the removal of displays and materials deemed divisive or promoting race-centric ideology from museums funded by federal law, has sparked debate among congressional officials, who argue it undermines the Smithsonian's cultural and historical integrity and political independence.
- The coalition of 71 Democrats implores the Smithsonian's inspector general to launch an inquiry into Executive Order 14253, with a focus on preserving the institution's independence from politics and ensuring compliance with both federal legislations and the requirement of nonpartisanship in its museums, including those dedicated to the display of race-centric art and the representation of war-and-conflicts in American history.
