"At the National Museum of African American History and Culture, visitors pushed back against the claim that the museum perpetuated anti-American ideology."

"As Washington’s famed cherry blossoms burst into bloom on Saturday, the lobby of the National Museum of African American History and Culture bustled with visitors. Hundreds of out-of-town tourists had come hoping to get a slice of U.S. history.

Two friends from New Jersey were there after unsuccessful attempts to secure tickets years before. Another pair of self-proclaimed “cherry blossom fanatics” from Illinois wandered in while attending festivities celebrating the flowers. Some college students traveled from Pennsylvania to roam the halls as part of a trip for their scholarship program.

But all of them said they were surprised that President Donald Trump had issued an executive order just two days before, attacking the Smithsonian for its “race-centered ideology” and threatening funding for the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. The order will focus on removing “anti-American ideology,” according to a White House fact sheet.

“African Americans are a part of American history,” Bri’Anne Wright, a 35-year-old from California, said after exploring the museum with her mother. “There’s no way this is anti-American if it’s showing everything we’ve been through and what our nation is founded on.”"

Emma Uber and Gaya Gupta report for the Washington Post March 30, 2025. [2]