Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution

7/24/2026

Executive Orders

View Original

Action Summary

Policy Establishment: References Executive Order 14253 (Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History) and its follow-up report “Saving America’s Story,” which critiques the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History for ideological bias.
Findings of the Report: The report asserts that current Smithsonian leadership uses American history to promote social justice and radical societal transformation, rather than presenting a shared national heritage.
Restoring Trust: Directs the Secretary of the Interior, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Administrator of General Services, and Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to use all available authorities to correct the identified issues and restore trust in the institution.
Visitor Notification Measures: Mandates installation of temporary signage on National Park Service-maintained areas informing visitors about the report’s findings and urging updates to the Museum’s exhibits.
Exhibit Corrections: Requires the installation of temporary exhibits or signage to rectify inaccuracies, particularly concerning the commemoration of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during the country’s 250th anniversary.
General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not affect existing legal authorities or the functions of other agencies, will be implemented according to applicable law and appropriations, and does not create enforceable rights against the United States.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order emphasizes a significant ideological shift in how American history is presented at the Smithsonian Institution, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and controversy regarding historical narratives. This could impact the university’s reputation if associated with perceived biases.
There is a risk that the focus on “restoring trust” may lead to conflicts with academic freedom and the integrity of scholarly research, which could affect Vanderbilt’s programs in history, education, and public policy.
Implementation of the order may require compliance with new federal regulations or guidelines, which could necessitate adjustments in research funding or collaboration with federal agencies.
Vanderbilt may need to proactively address the implications of this order, particularly if it affects partnerships with museums, historical societies, or other educational institutions that may be influenced by these changes.

Impacted Programs

Department of History may face challenges in aligning its curriculum with the evolving narratives defined by this executive order, requiring careful navigation of academic integrity and public perception.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see a demand for research into the implications of educational policies tied to historical narratives, potentially leading to new initiatives or funding opportunities.
The Office of Public Affairs will need to be vigilant in managing communications and public relations to mitigate fallout from the potential backlash against perceived ideological biases.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with educational institutions and museums may require reassessment to ensure they align with the new federal directives and maintain academic standards.

Financial Impact

Changes in federal funding priorities may affect grants related to history and education, which could necessitate adjustments in Vanderbilt’s funding strategies.
The potential for increased competition or conflict over federal resources could impact collaborative projects with the Smithsonian or similar institutions.
Vanderbilt might need to allocate resources towards advocacy or compliance measures to navigate the implications of the executive order, which could strain budgets and operational capacities.
As historical narratives evolve, there may be shifts in public interest and enrollment trends, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

The Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the implications of the executive order on the Smithsonian Institution, particularly regarding its impact on public perception and educational partnerships. Engaging with the Smithsonian to navigate potential collaborations can enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation and its role in historical education and cultural initiatives.
Vanderbilt’s History Department should assess the changing narrative of American history as influenced by this executive order, potentially developing new courses or research programs that align with a more traditional interpretation of American history. This can position the university as a leader in historical scholarship and education.
The Department of Communications should prepare a strategic communication plan to address public discourse around the Smithsonian’s reputation and its implications for educational institutions. This proactive approach will ensure that Vanderbilt is prepared to respond to any shifts in public sentiment and to clarify its educational mission.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion should develop initiatives that promote a balanced understanding of American history, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the narrative. This could involve partnerships with local communities and historical organizations to foster inclusive education.
The Research Office should explore funding opportunities related to historical research and education in light of this executive order, especially grants that may arise from shifts in federal priorities regarding cultural institutions. This can provide new avenues for research funding and project development.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to lead discussions on the interpretation of American history in teacher training programs, potentially influencing how future educators approach this topic in their classrooms.
By engaging with the Smithsonian’s efforts to correct historical narratives, Vanderbilt can position itself as a partner in educational reform, potentially opening doors for collaborative projects and joint research initiatives focused on American history.
The focus on historical accuracy creates a unique chance for Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science to analyze the implications of ideological narratives in education, contributing valuable research to the national discourse on educational policy.
Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in history and education policy to host public forums or workshops that address the implications of the executive order, enhancing its visibility as a thought leader in shaping historical education.
The emphasis on restoring trust in cultural institutions may lead to new funding avenues for research on the role of museums and historical sites in education, allowing Vanderbilt to pursue innovative projects that align with these national priorities.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order suggests major adjustments are needed in educational approaches and partnerships due to shifts in historical narratives.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A. I determined there is no specific deadline as the Executive Order mandates implementation consistent with applicable law and available appropriations without providing a concrete timeline.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Smithsonian Institution: Targeted by the order for its role in presenting American history, with a mandate to restore trust and ensure historical accuracy.
National Museum of American History: As a component of the Smithsonian Institution, it is specifically addressed regarding its exhibits and informational content.
Department of the Interior: Tasked with overseeing the restoration efforts, including directing signage and exhibit corrections through the National Park Service.
National Park Service (NPS): Responsible for installing temporary signage and exhibits to inform visitors of the Report’s findings and correct perceived inaccuracies.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Instructed to utilize available authorities to implement the order’s policies, ensuring compliance with applicable statutes and directives.
General Services Administration (GSA): Directed to help identify and apply mechanisms that promote the order’s policy, ensuring the Smithsonian meets the specified standards.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy: Involved in coordinating and executing the policy measures and interagency efforts outlined in the order.

Relevance Score: 3 (Approximately seven government entities are directly impacted by this order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Interior – Charged with overseeing the restoration of trust in the Smithsonian Institution and directing the National Park Service to install temporary signage and exhibits as specified.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Tasked with identifying and utilizing available authorities to promote the order’s policy.
Administrator of General Services – Responsible for collaborating in utilizing available authorities to enforce the directives.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Required to coordinate with other officials in implementing the policy and signage efforts.
Director of the National Park Service (NPS) – Will act through the Secretary of the Interior to install temporary signage and exhibits on NPS-maintained areas.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials and key White House advisors, ensuring high-level implementation across multiple agencies.)