Trump orders review of Smithsonian museums
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President Trump has called for a “comprehensive internal review” of exhibits and materials at various Smithsonian museums. This review aims to ensure that the 178-year-old institution effectively represents America as its 250th anniversary approaches.

“As we get ready to mark the 250th anniversary of our Nation’s founding, it is crucial that our national museums embody the unity, progress, and lasting values that capture the American narrative,” states the August 12 letter from the White House to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III.


Donald Trump speaking at a podium.
The Trump administration is ordering a “comprehensive internal review” of a number of the Smithsonian’s museums and exhibits ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. AP

Referring to one of Trump’s executive orders from March, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” the letter outlines its objectives and reassures the Institution that it does not intend to intervene in the curators’ and staff’s everyday duties.

Rather, it says the review is to help the administration “support a broader vision of excellence that highlights historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of America’s heritage.”

The letter says the review will focus on several areas of interest, including an audit of exhibition text, wall signage, educational materials and social media content “to assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals.”

The initiative “aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”

Phase I of the review process will encompass eight of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, with additional museums to be reviewed in Phase II, the letter states.

Included in Phase I is 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 process will see curators and senior staff interviewed to help the administration better understand how works are selected and approved for display, and what “frameworks” guide those choices, the letter reads.


The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Eight of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums will be included in Phase I of the review process. Getty Images

The administration plans to look over current and future exhibitions, particularly those planned for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. They’ll also evaluate how existing materials and collections could potentially be put to better use “to highlight American achievement and progress,” which could include them being sent to other museums.

Each of the museums is being asked to provide 10 different types of materials to the review team, including all planned 250th anniversary programming, internal guidelines and governance, external partnerships, “grant-related documentation” and more.

“We view this process as a collaborative and forward-looking opportunity — one that empowers

museum staff to embrace a revitalized curatorial vision rooted in the strength, breadth, and

achievements of the American story,” the letter concludes.

“By focusing on Americanism-the people, principles, and progress that define our nation-we can work together to renew the Smithsonian’s role as the world’s leading museum institution.”

The White House says it plans on completing its report early next year, which will include assessments, institutional trends and “constructive recommendations for future exhibition strategy.”

An email to the Smithsonian sent by The Post seeking comment was not immediately returned.

Earlier this month, the Smithsonian was forced to issue a statement that it was not coerced by the administration into removing a placard from a National Museum of American History exhibit detailing Trump’s two impeachments.

“We were not asked by any Administration or other government official to remove content from the exhibit,” the museum said in a press release, further explaining “the placard … did not meet the museum’s standards in appearance, location, timeline and overall presentation.”

The statement came after the Washington Post published an article claiming the takedown was the result of pressure from the White House, citing a person familiar with the exhibit plans.

The Smithsonian said it plans to restore the exhibition — which is intended “to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation’s history” — in the coming weeks.

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