Executive Order 14253 Threatens the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture

We Demand Rescission of Executive Order 14253

President Donald Trump has launched an all-out assault on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC or Museum) and other historical monuments and properties. Executive Order 14253, misleadingly titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” directs Vice President J.D. Vance, who is a member of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, to ensure that Smithsonian Institution exhibits and programs align with what the administration calls “American greatness” and singles out for particular scrutiny the NMAAHC.

The order instructs the review and removal of exhibits, narratives, and programs which the administration, in its sole discretion, deems would “divide Americans based on race,” “degrade shared American values,” or are “anti-American.” It then directs reductions of federal funds if exhibits or programming are inconsistent with the administration’s preferred version of history. There is no legal authority or precedent for this order.

America’s Conscience Is at Stake

The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established to tell the truth of African American history—the struggles, the triumphs, and the countless contributions African Americans have made to the United States of America. For generations, Americans of all backgrounds fought to establish the Museum—not only to honor the history and contributions of African Americans, but out of a deep conviction that the nation must reckon with its past and finally honor and acknowledge the truth.

Executive Order 14253 attempts to rewrite our past by obscuring the realities of brutal slavery, Jim Crow, and the history of persistent and ongoing discrimination. Whitewashing this shared history isn’t just an attack on the Museum’s integrity—it’s an assault on America’s collective memory. The definition of "American greatness" that the order promotes is one that would erase crucial stories of resilience, innovation, and perseverance that Black Americans have contributed to this country. Erasing these truths does lasting harm, not only to the Museum’s reputation, but to everyone—because all people deserve an honest and complete account of our nation's history and legacy.

We Demand:

- That the NMAAHC and the Smithsonian remain free from political interference.

- That Congress and the Smithsonian Board of Regents act to protect the Museum’s independence.

- That President Trump immediately rescind Executive Order 14253.

- That all efforts to censor or sanitize African American history be met with unified, unflinching resistance.

Stand With Us to Save the NMAAHC

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America’s History: SOS (Save Our Smithsonian)

If you’d like to know more about America’s History: SOS (Save Our Smithsonian), we invite you to read, adopt, and share our Resolution to Preserve the Integrity of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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For more information about this petition check out our website at americashistorysos.org