Trump order launches Smithsonian and its visitors into confusion, dismay

President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order to eliminate what he considers “ anti-American ideology” from the Smithsonian Institution .

The order calls for the removal of “monuments, memorials, statues, markers” around the country that have been removed over the past five years .

It also directs the interior secretary to “complete restorations and improvements” to Independence Hall in Philadelphia as the government gears up for patriotic celebrations next year .

The order states that the American Women’s History Museum plans on celebrating the exploits of male athletes participating in women's sports.

The museum is a crucial reminder of the disturbing and important parts of American history.

“The victors do not get to rewrite the history,” Julie Proctor , 65 , said, “We can’t let them.”.

“I don’t know why the government would try to interfere with things that have already taken place,” Jones said.

“The things you see in here, you can't change what has happened no matter how painful, you” Two friends, Theresa Johnson , 73 , and Pamela Carre , 65 , cried when they saw the exhibits.