In an apparent move to tighten its grip on cultural representation, the Trump administration is stepping up oversight of the Smithsonian, which is the largest museum and research complex on the planet.
As highlighted in a letter released on the White House website, officials have directed the Smithsonian to undergo a thorough evaluation of its exhibits and materials as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The communication, directed to Lonnie Bunch, the Smithsonian Institution’s secretary, states that the aim is to ensure all exhibitions convey a vision of unity, progress, and timeless values that reflect the American narrative. This follows an executive order from March calling for the purge of any divisive or un-American ideology from the institution.
Under this initiative, museums are given 120 days to revise any content considered to be ideologically charged or divisive to instead promote historically accurate and unifying descriptions.
The March executive order, titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, stated that the objective is to position the Smithsonian as a hub that inspires creativity in children, promotes American history and innovation, and symbolizes American pride and excellence.
Earlier this month, there was a noteworthy instance when the Smithsonian took down and later adjusted an exhibit regarding presidential impeachments, which included references to Trump’s two impeachments from his first term. However, museum representatives claim they were never pressured by any administration officials to alter this content.
The letter recently disclosed to the Wall Street Journal now brings the Smithsonian under detailed scrutiny. This review broadly covers everything from exhibition content available to the public, online materials, and even internal curation processes.
Allegedly, the initiative aims to ensure adherence to the president’s call to promote American exceptionalism and eliminate partisan narratives, thus restoring faith in cultural institutions.
The letter was signed by Lindsey Halligan, the White House senior associate; Vince Haley, the domestic policy council director; and Russ Vought, the budget office director. Halligan was brought in to oversee the Smithsonian under the direction of JD Vance. She emphasized that the review is crucial to maintain trust in this prominent institution.
Additionally, Halligan remarked, It’s vital that the museums and exhibits present information that is accurate, patriotic, and enlightening so that they continue to inspire wonder and national pride for future generations.
This formal audit tackles facets previously addressed, including the federal control over Washington D.C.’s police department and deploying the National Guard in response to claims of public safety emergencies concerning crime and homelessness. Yet not-so coincidentally, statistics are indicating a marked decline in violent crime rates.
A January report from law enforcement revealed a stunning 35% drop in violent crimes in D.C. for 2024 — representing the lowest rates experienced in over three decades. Meanwhile, studies frequently show that individuals experiencing homelessness are more often victims of crime rather than perpetrators.
The review’s primary focus will initially zero in on eight significant Smithsonian museums: the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
The message in the letter implies that further museums will undergo reviews later down the line.
The Smithsonian spokesperson reported, Our institution holds a deep commitment to academic excellence, made possible through rigorous research and a factual presentation of history. We’re currently assessing the letter in line with this dedication and plan to maintain a constructive relationship with the White House, Congress, and our governing Board of Regents.
Historically, the Board of Regents had already approved a comprehensive audit of all museum and zoo content to mitigate any biases or political sway. This etched a path toward changes following the resignation of Kim Sajet, the former director of the National Portrait Gallery, after her involvement with diversity measures received presidential disapproval.
Moreover, artist Amy Sherald pulled back a career retrospective planned for the Smithsonian in light of worries that the institution wouldn’t be able to showcase her piece titled Trans Forming Liberty, featuring a transgender woman adorned in pink hair and a blue dress, reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty.
The outreach letter just goes a step further, mandating a review of what’s in store for the upcoming 250th birthday celebration of the U.S. — part of a larger push to strengthen oversight throughout various cultural and educational bodies.
According to the correspondence, the White House insists that institutions eliminate any language deemed ideologically driven or divisive in favor of phrasing that’s unifying and historically accurate.
Reports suggest a team from the White House is planned to make observation visits and walk-throughs of museums to evaluate themes and messages being conveyed. The letter outlined a request for organizational charts, visitor feedback, data on artists awarded Smithsonian grants, external partnerships, and internal communication regarding exhibition processes needs to be submitted within a 30-day timeframe, with expectations set for the review conclusion by early 2026.
