In a bold move aimed at reshaping how the United States presents its past, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing federal agencies to reassess the interpretive frameworks used at national parks, museums, and historical landmarks. Signed on Thursday, March 27, 2025, the order seeks to eliminate what Trump describes as “divisive and unpatriotic” portrayals of American history, replacing them with messaging that emphasizes unity and national pride.

The directive, officially titled “Reclaiming America’s Historical Legacy,” instructs the Department of the Interior, the Smithsonian Institution, and other federal entities to scrutinize exhibits, signage, and educational materials at federally managed sites. Trump’s administration contends that many of these locations have adopted perspectives that unfairly criticize the nation’s achievements and foundational values, overshadowing what they see as the country’s unparalleled contributions to freedom and progress.

At the heart of the order is a push to counter what Trump and his supporters view as an overemphasis on the darker chapters of U.S. history—such as slavery, the displacement of Indigenous peoples, and systemic inequalities. Instead, the president has called for a renewed focus on celebrating the nation’s triumphs, including its role in advancing democracy, innovation, and individual liberty. “Our history is a story of greatness, not guilt,” Trump said in a statement accompanying the order. “It’s time our parks and museums reflect that truth.”

The move has reignited a fierce debate over how the United States should grapple with its complex past. Supporters of the executive order argue that it restores balance to historical narratives they believe have been skewed by progressive ideologies. They point to examples like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where exhibits highlight the enduring legacy of slavery and racial injustice. Trump’s order specifically criticizes the museum’s framing of traits such as “self-reliance” and “punctuality” as attributes tied to “dominant cultural norms,” which the administration says undermines shared American ideals.

Another focal point is Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The park’s programming includes discussions of how the principles of equality enshrined in the Declaration of Independence coexisted with the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act—a juxtaposition Trump’s order labels as overly negative. The administration has also taken issue with training programs that encourage park staff to consider their personal backgrounds when interpreting history, calling it an unnecessary intrusion of identity politics into public education.

Critics, however, see the directive as an attempt to sanitize history and suppress uncomfortable truths. Historians and civil rights advocates argue that acknowledging the nation’s missteps is essential to understanding its progress. “You can’t celebrate the victories without confronting the failures,” said Dr. Evelyn Carter, a professor of American history at Howard University. “This order risks turning our national sites into propaganda tools rather than places of learning.”

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by Congress in 2003 to document the African American experience, has become a lightning rod in this controversy. Its exhibits explore not only the horrors of slavery but also the resilience of Black communities and their contributions to the nation’s cultural fabric. Defenders of the museum argue that its mission is not to vilify America but to provide a fuller picture of its evolution. “The unvarnished truth isn’t anti-American—it’s the foundation of who we are,” said museum director Lonnie Bunch in a statement responding to the order.

Trump’s directive aligns with broader efforts by conservative leaders to reshape historical education. In states like Florida and Texas, Republican governors have championed laws restricting how topics like race and inequality are taught in schools, arguing that such lessons foster division. The executive order extends this philosophy to the federal level, targeting sites that draw millions of visitors each year.

Implementation of the order will involve a comprehensive review process, with agencies required to submit reports within 180 days detailing changes to exhibits and interpretive programs. The Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, has already signaled its intent to comply, with a spokesperson stating, “We’re committed to ensuring our parks tell America’s story with pride and accuracy.”

Public reaction has been sharply divided. At a rally in Ohio on Thursday evening, Trump supporters cheered the announcement, chanting “USA! USA!” as the president touted the order as a victory against “woke culture.” Meanwhile, protests erupted outside the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building in Washington, D.C., where demonstrators held signs reading “History Isn’t Optional” and “Don’t Erase Our Past.”

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, the executive order underscores the ongoing cultural battle over America’s identity. For Trump, it’s a chance to cement a legacy of patriotism ahead of that milestone. For his detractors, it’s a step backward from reckoning with the full scope of the American experiment.

With the review process now underway, the coming months will reveal how deeply this directive reshapes the stories told at some of the country’s most cherished historical sites. What’s clear is that the fight over America’s past is far from settled—and the stakes, both political and cultural, remain sky-high.