Trump's Opposition to Smithsonian Exhibition

President Trump issued an executive order that critiqued a Smithsonian Institution exhibit for advocating the perspective that race is a social creation rather than a biological one. This viewpoint is prevalent among scientists today.

The Smithsonian's Perspective on Race

The controversial exhibit was displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington and examined the role of sculpture throughout American history in shaping and mirroring ideas about race.

This exhibit’s narrative suggested that race is fundamentally a human invention, highlighting the fact that all humans share 99.9% of their genetic makeup. This notion is consistent with a statement from the American Association of Biological Anthropologists.

Scholarly Reactions to the Executive Order

Academics expressed concern over the executive order, questioning its challenge to a widely accepted idea. A historian from the University of Massachusetts Amherst described the order as incongruous with prevailing scientific consensus, comparing the race hierarchies it alludes to with those seen in Germany's Nazi regime and the eugenics movement.

White House's Stance and Claims

A White House spokesperson referenced the executive order when asked for comments, emphasizing Mr. Trump’s promise from his inaugural address to dismantle attempts to integrate race and gender considerations into every facet of society.