New Legislation Aims to Limit Wokeness and Promote American Values in Museums

A proposed bill seeks to prevent the Smithsonian Institution from promoting what it calls “divisive narratives” and “wokeness,” aiming to codify a January executive order issued by former President Trump. The legislation, titled the “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act,” was introduced by Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) who emphasized the need for museums to reflect traditional American values and honor national heroes.

Since the unrest of 2020, critics have accused Smithsonian museums of adopting far-left perspectives. An example includes a display from the National Museum of African American History and Culture claiming that qualities such as “objective, rational, linear thinking” and a “hard work before play” attitude are “white” traits, which the museum later apologized for.

In 2019, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch highlighted the institution’s role in legitimizing contentious issues like the 1619 Project, signaling an intent to influence public discourse on social matters. This stance drew criticism from conservatives who argue that it politicizes historical education.

Additionally, some lawmakers have criticized specific exhibits, such as the American Latino Museum’s “iPresente!” display, which was accused of portraying Hispanics in a stereotypical manner and glossing over left-wing regimes’ criticisms. The Trump administration also voiced opposition to exhibits like “Entertainment Nation” at the National Museum of American History, which linked popular culture to national trauma and political upheaval, such as Vietnam and Watergate.

Senator Banks’ bill proposes banning the Smithsonian from engaging in projects that “degrade shared American values” and calls for the reinstatement of monuments and memorials that were removed or altered for ideological reasons. Vice President JD Vance, on the Smithsonian board, is tasked with ensuring these policies are enforced.