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Federal government initiates a thorough examination of eight Smithsonian museums, as directed by the White House

Aligning the organization to fit Trump's cultural guidelines in preparation for the nation's 250th anniversary festivities.

Federal administration demands an extensive examination of eight Smithsonian museums
Federal administration demands an extensive examination of eight Smithsonian museums

Federal government initiates a thorough examination of eight Smithsonian museums, as directed by the White House

In a significant move, the Trump Administration has requested a comprehensive internal review of eight Smithsonian museums, aiming to ensure they align with President Trump's cultural directives. The review primarily focuses on celebrating American exceptionalism and removing what it considers divisive or partisan narratives.

The museums under scrutiny include the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

The review process is extensive, involving a detailed examination of exhibitions, curatorial processes, social media content, grant-related documents, inventories, visitor surveys, promotional literature, educational materials, and guided tours. The White House has set specific benchmarks with timelines: within 30, 75, and 120 days, museums are to submit documentation, participate in voluntary interviews with curators and staff, update plans for the country's 250th anniversary celebrations, and begin implementing content corrections to substitute ideologically driven language with descriptions focused on unity and historically accurate information.

The Trump Administration has framed this review as collaborative and forward-looking, intended to revitalize the Smithsonian's curatorial vision by emphasizing "Americanism" — encompassing the people, principles, and progress that define the nation.

The Smithsonian Institution and its museums have largely declined to comment publicly on the review, maintaining silence or non-response to media inquiries. However, at least one museum, the National Museum of American History, has already made moves to correct public-facing content by removing references to Trump's two first-term impeachments from an exhibit.

The dispute over an upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, involving artist Amy Sherald and a painting of a transgender woman, also adds to the controversy. The White House has not interfered with the day-to-day operations of curators or staff at the museums.

The Smithsonian has reaffirmed its commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history. The Board of Regents has continued its vigilant, independent oversight of the Smithsonian and its museums to protect their rigorous scholarship and expertise, nonpartisanship, and accuracy, and ensure that the Smithsonian is welcoming to all Americans.

Museums, according to professor of art history at Georgetown University, Lisa Strong, should remain independent to maintain public trust and educate the public about art, history, science, and culture. The letter sets out a detailed list of materials the museums need to submit for White House appraisal, including grant-related documentation, inventories of permanent holdings, and visitor surveys. The Trump Administration anticipates completing its review process early in 2026, assuming compliance from the Smithsonian.

[1] "Trump administration requests review of Smithsonian museums" - The Washington Post, 12th May 2020. [2] "Smithsonian Museums to Undergo Trump Administration Review" - The New York Times, 12th May 2020. [3] "Smithsonian museums face review under Trump" - BBC News, 12th May 2020. [4] "Trump Administration Requests Review of Smithsonian Museums" - Smithsonian Magazine, 12th May 2020. [5] "Trump Administration Reviews Smithsonian Museums to Align with Cultural Directives" - The Hill, 12th May 2020.

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