1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding President Donald Trump's recent executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution's funding for programs deemed to promote "divisive narratives" and "improper ideology." This directive, which specifically criticizes institutions such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Women's History Museum, poses a significant threat to the principles of free speech and academic freedom that are foundational to our democracy. The Smithsonian Institution has long been a bastion of knowledge and cultural preservation, dedicated to presenting a comprehensive and unvarnished account of American history. Efforts to censor or alter its programs to fit a particular political narrative not only undermine the integrity of historical scholarship but also deprive the public of the opportunity to engage with the full complexity of our nation's past. Furthermore, the executive order's call to redirect funding away from these vital programs represents an unconstitutional encroachment on the autonomy of educational and cultural institutions. Such actions set a dangerous precedent of governmental overreach, where political agendas dictate the content and direction of academic and cultural discourse. As your constituent, I urge you to oppose this executive order and to take a stand in defense of free speech, academic independence, and the truthful representation of our nation's history. It is imperative that we resist any attempts to whitewash or distort the diverse narratives that collectively define the American experience. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I trust that you will act to uphold the values that are essential to our democracy and cultural heritage.