A new bill aims to challenge regulations regarding the Smithsonian, according to its backer, who spoke on Tuesday to reaffirm President Trump’s executive order.
The proposed legislation, known as the “Truth and Sanity Restoration and American History Act,” was introduced by Indiana GOP Senator Jim Banks. It mandates the Smithsonian to eliminate what he describes as “inappropriate ideology” from its exhibits across a broad network of museums.
“It’s time to put a stop to activists rewriting our history,” Banks stated in a message to the media. “This bill will bring President Trump’s order into law and guarantee that our National Museum reflects our values, our heroes, and what truly makes America great.”
The bill further prohibits future Smithsonian initiatives that align with “shared American values” and promotes the restoration of monuments and statues that have been altered or removed due to ideological reasons, with support from national park services.
Banks, who became active after awakening at home, founded the Caucus, inspired largely by the text of Trump’s executive order of the same title. This initiative seeks to eliminate “anti-American” ideologies from the Smithsonian.
The executive order was crafted to counter ongoing progressive influences pursuing racial justice within historical narratives, while also celebrating Americans whose actions may be viewed unfavorably by contemporary standards.
For instance, in 2020, the National Museum of African American History and Culture issued a controversial statement asserting that traits such as “objective, rational, linear thinking,” “quantitative emphasis,” and “hard work before play” are characteristics typically associated with white culture.
This museum is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and is located on the National Mall.
Banks has specifically pointed to recent initiatives by the Smithsonian American Museum of Women’s History that have highlighted transgender female athletes.
According to his proposal, the museum “cannot recognize men as women in any capacity.”
Similar to Trump’s earlier executive order, the bill compels the Smithsonian committee overseeing the museum’s network to eradicate these “inappropriate ideologies.”
Vice President JD Vance, who serves on the board, will assist in putting this policy into effect.
Trump has openly criticized campaigns aimed at renaming or removing monuments for social justice purposes.
Recently, he voiced his displeasure regarding changes made by the Washington Commanders and the Cleveland Guardians, who moved away from their former names, the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians, respectively.
“The times are different than they were three or four years ago,” Trump recently remarked about societal views. “We’re a nation grounded in passion and common sense.”
Banks’ legislation arises amid broader Republican efforts in Congress to turn executive orders into formal law.
The senator took office in January for his first term, having previously led the House Republican Research Committee.
