Executive Order
#14253 -- Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History (March 27, 2025)
Highlights
The order directs federal agencies to reshape historical narratives presented in federally funded institutions, particularly targeting the Smithsonian Institution and national monuments. It mandates the removal of exhibits and narratives deemed "divisive" or focused on "race-centered ideology" and calls for the restoration of monuments and memorials removed since 2020.
Key Compliance/Risk Cue
The executive branch possesses certain powers to influence federal agencies and their operations. However, the extent to which it can dictate specific historical narratives is constrained by legal and constitutional considerations.
Litigation Snapshot
No lawsuits filed yet as of June 20, 2025, but it does raise viewpoint based discrimination under the First Amendment. This EO seemingly would punish recount of parts of US history (e.g., African American, Women), but spares others’ history (e.g., Jewish).