60 percent say government should not control museum content: Poll
Share and Follow


Sixty percent of Americans say the federal government should not control the content of exhibits in museums that get taxpayer funding, according to a new survey that was published on Tuesday. 

The latest the Economist/YouGov poll found that only 18 percent say the government should control the content of exhibits in federally funded museums. Another 22 percent were unsure. 

The large majority of Democrats, 82 percent, are against the government’s control of such. GOP voters were more evenly split, with 38 percent saying they oppose the government’s control of museum exhibits and approximately 31 percent unsure.

The survey found that people who visit museums “very or somewhat often” are far more likely, at 70 percent, than those who never visit them, with 49 percent, to argue the government should not control the content of exhibits. 

The results come as President Trump ramps up his efforts to control the way Smithsonian museums and national parks tell America’s story.

“The Museums throughout Washington, but all over the Country are, essentially, the last remaining segment of ‘WOKE,’” Trump posted on Truth Social last week.

“The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,” he added.

The large majority in the Economist/YouGov poll, 84 percent, said it is very important for cultural museums and history to accurately represent American history. The majority of respondents in the poll said this pertains to highlighting historical struggles and injustices, 61 percent, highlighting American achievements, 61 percent, and addressing topics such as racism, slavery and inequality, 60 percent. 

Around 46 percent said it is very important for the museums that get government funding to highlight a positive vision for America’s future. 

Democrats are twice as likely as GOP voters, 85 percent to 40 percent, to highlight the importance of museums addressing topics such as inequality, slavery and racism, along with highlighting historical injustices and struggles, 84 percent to 42 percent. 

Republicans are more likely than Democrats, 57 percent to 37 percent, to say it is very important for museums to emphasize a positive vision for America’s future and to emphasize American achievements, 67 percent to 55 percent, the survey found. 

The poll was conducted from Aug. 22-25 among 1,523 U.S. adults. Its margin of error was around 3.5 percentage points. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Dodgers, Blue Jays benches clear in heated Game 7 World Series moment

World Series Drama: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Sparks Explosive Game 7 Bench-Clearing Altercation

The atmosphere reached a boiling point in Game 7 of the World…
Andrew 'refused to sign off royal tributes to Jeffrey Epstein victims'

Royal Scandal: Prince Andrew’s Alleged Refusal to Approve Tributes for Epstein Victims

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has come under scrutiny following claims that he insisted…
'Intentional' explosion at Harvard University medical building under investigation; no injuries reported

Harvard University Medical Building Rocked by Deliberate Explosion: No Injuries as Investigation Unfolds

An investigation is underway following an explosion at Harvard University’s medical facility,…
Furious residents wage war against massive new billionaires' utopia

Local Outrage Erupts Over Proposed Billionaire Enclave, Sparking Community Battle

Residents of a Californian community where billionaires are planning to construct a…
Trump denies reports he has decided to strike Venezuela

Trump Refutes Claims of Planned Military Action Against Venezuela

President Donald Trump has firmly dismissed claims suggesting he is planning an…
NYCFC look to replicate successful formula in Game 2 vs. Charlotte FC

NYCFC Aims to Continue Winning Strategy in Second Match Against Charlotte FC

Tayvon Gray, a defender for New York City FC, seemed reluctant to…
Teen driver charged with killing three University of Arizona students in Porsche hit-and-run crosswalk crash

Tragic Porsche Hit-and-Run: Teen Driver Faces Charges for Fatal Crosswalk Collision at University of Arizona

Tragedy struck near the University of Arizona campus when three students lost…
Heidi Klum Halloween costume: Klum reveals Medusa costume with husband Tom Kaulitz for Halloween 2025

Heidi Klum Unveils Stunning Medusa Costume with Tom Kaulitz for Halloween 2025 Celebration

NEW YORK — Heidi Klum embraced the mythical allure of Medusa for…