Fact Check: Trump has issued an executive order to close down all US museums and have certain books burned

Claim Analysis: "Trump has issued an executive order to close down all US museums and have certain books burned"

1. Introduction

The claim that "Trump has issued an executive order to close down all US museums and have certain books burned" raises significant concerns about its veracity and implications. This assertion suggests drastic measures against cultural institutions and literature, which would be unprecedented in modern American history. To evaluate this claim, we will examine available evidence, analyze the context, and assess the credibility of the sources involved.

2. What We Know

Several executive orders and actions attributed to former President Donald Trump have been documented, particularly around the themes of reducing federal bureaucracy and altering the operations of cultural institutions:

1. Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History: An executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" was signed on March 27, 2025, which aimed to overhaul the Smithsonian Institution and remove what was described as "divisive, race-centered ideology" from museums 15.

2. Dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): Another executive order from March 14, 2025, called for the dismantling of several federal agencies, including the IMLS, which plays a crucial role in supporting museums and libraries across the United States 238.

3. Cultural Targeting: Reports indicate that Trump's executive orders have been framed as targeting "woke" culture and "anti-American" sentiments in museums, with some sources suggesting that this could lead to significant changes in how history and culture are presented 4710.

4. No Direct Mention of Book Burning: Importantly, there is no direct evidence or official documentation indicating that Trump has issued an order to burn books. The phrase "burning of the books" appears to be more metaphorical in the context of cultural censorship rather than a literal directive 7.

3. Analysis

The sources available present a mixed picture regarding the claim:

• Credibility of Sources:

  • Mainstream News Outlets: Sources such as NPR and PBS provide detailed reporting on Trump's executive orders and their implications for museums and libraries. These outlets are generally considered reliable and adhere to journalistic standards 48.
  • AP News: The Associated Press is known for its fact-based reporting, which adds credibility to claims regarding the dismantling of the IMLS 3.
  • Opinion Pieces: Some sources, like MSNBC, provide analysis that connects Trump's actions to historical precedents of censorship, which may reflect a particular bias or agenda 10. Such interpretations should be viewed critically, as they may not represent objective reporting.

• Methodology and Evidence: The claim regarding the closure of museums and book burning lacks direct evidence. While executive orders have been issued that affect museum funding and operations, the leap to closing all museums and burning books is not substantiated by the text of the orders themselves. The language used in some reports may exaggerate the implications of these orders for dramatic effect.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some organizations and publications may have vested interests in portraying Trump's actions in a negative light, particularly those aligned with cultural or educational advocacy. This potential bias should be considered when evaluating their claims.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Trump has issued an executive order to close down all US museums and have certain books burned" is false. The evidence reviewed indicates that while there have been executive orders affecting museums and libraries, there is no substantiation for the assertion that all museums will be closed or that books will be burned. The executive orders discussed focus on restructuring and funding issues rather than outright closures or censorship in the literal sense.

It is important to note that the language surrounding these executive orders may evoke concerns about cultural censorship, but the specific claims of closing museums and burning books are not supported by the available evidence. The interpretation of these actions can vary widely, and some sources may present a more alarmist view that does not reflect the actual content of the orders.

However, limitations in the available evidence should be acknowledged. The interpretation of executive actions can be subjective, and the potential implications of these orders may evolve over time. Therefore, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to political actions and cultural policies.

5. Sources

1. Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. White House. Link
2. Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy. White House. Link
3. What's happening with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. AP News. Link
4. Trump signs order to 'restore' American history with Smithsonian Institution overhaul. NPR. Link
5. Trump executive order seeks to 'restore' American history. NPR. Link
6. Tracking the Trump Administration's Attacks on Libraries. American Libraries Magazine. Link
7. Trump issues executive order targeting 'woke' culture in US. Euronews. Link
8. Analysis: Trump order targets agency that provides crucial funding for libraries and museums. PBS. Link
9. Libraries under siege: How Trump's cuts put community hubs in peril. USA Today. Link
10. Trump's attacks on museums and libraries echo the Nazi. MSNBC. Link