President Donald Trump took action on Thursday, signing an executive order to restore historical U.S. monuments dismantled during Joe Biden's presidency.
This order seeks to restore monuments and review historical preservation initiatives while aiming to eliminate controversial race-based narratives from federally funded exhibitions, as the Daily Caller reports.
The executive order issued by Trump specifically instructs federal agencies to reinstate monuments and statues removed since January 2020. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to counter what the administration describes as a “widespread effort” to misrepresent the nation's history as inherently flawed.
Trump's order directs the interior secretary to oversee the restoration of historical markers and statues, including a focus on those related to the Civil War. This will likely result in the reinstatement of monuments like the Confederate Reconciliation Monument at Arlington National Cemetery, which was dismantled in 2023 following the recommendations of a congressionally mandated Naming Commission.
A notable aspect of the order is its stipulation regarding federal funding. The executive directive cuts taxpayer support for museum exhibitions and initiatives that are perceived to degrade shared American values or promote divisive, race-based narratives.
Among these targeted narratives are those inconsistent with federal law, as quoted in the order: “Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn -- not to be subjected to divisive narratives.” Trump’s administration clearly outlines its stance against content it views as promoting discord rather than unity. Vice President JD Vance has been given the responsibility to review and reverse actions under the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Smithsonian Institution. This move aligns with the broader push to eliminate what is seen as divisive content within federal sites.
The order also casts a critical eye on specific museums in the nation’s capital. The National Museum of African American History and Culture and the future American Women’s History Museum come under scrutiny for narratives that the administration considers inconsistent with their objectives.
Vince Haley and Lindsey Halligan are tasked with ensuring that congressional appropriations align with the new directives, further reinforcing the shift towards traditional narratives. These actions reflect the administration’s intent to reshape public funding and museum content to better align with the stated goal of celebrating American heritage.
Restoration is not limited to museums, as the order extends to federally controlled properties like Civil War battlefields, presidential sites, and locations managed by the National Park Service. These places are seen as vital to the portrayal of the nation's historical narrative.
The decree reflects Trump’s commitment to revising how American history is presented, aiming to promote an image of the nation’s past as one of “solemn and uplifting public monuments” that remind all citizens of their “extraordinary heritage.”
Despite the sweeping changes proposed, the White House has not provided further comments on the order's implications, a point noted by sources like the Daily Caller News Foundation. The lack of immediate response from White House officials leaves room for speculation on potential reactions from both political allies and adversaries.
The executive action ensures that federally controlled spaces continue to reflect what the administration considers a more unifying and less divisive historical narrative. This initiative ties back to Trump’s broader policy emphasis on what he describes as true American values.
Overall, this executive order has set the stage for significant changes in how U.S. history is portrayed and preserved in public spaces. Whether it will be met with praise or protests remains to be seen, as the order continues to generate both enthusiasm and opposition across different sectors of American society.
