In a letter posted on the White House website, the Trump administration informed the Smithsonian of its plans for a comprehensive review of exhibitions, materials, and operations before the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The letter to Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian, stated that the White House wants the museums’ programme to reflect “unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story,” aligning with a March executive order calling for the removal of “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from the Smithsonian.
In June, the institution said it would conduct a content review across its 21 museums and zoo to comply with the order. This latest correspondence subjects the institution to close curatorial review, covering public exhibition text, online content, internal curatorial procedures, exhibition planning, collection management, and artist grants.
Signed by Lindsey Halligan, White House senior associate; Vince Haley, the director of the domestic policy council, and Russ Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, the letter states that:
“This 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.”
Curatorial scrutiny
The review will begin with eight 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.
Others will be reviewed at a later date.
In a statement, the institution said: “The Smithsonian’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history.
“We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind and will continue to collaborate constructively with the White House, Congress, and our governing Board of Regents.”
In May, Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would be dismissing Kim Sajet, the first female director of the National Portrait Gallery. While the Smithsonian Institution initially responded with a declaration of its independence, saying that all personnel decisions are made by the Secretary, Sajet later confirmed her resignation.
Last month, the Smithsonian announced that it would once again include President Donald Trump‘s two impeachment proceedings in an updated display, after removing references to his two Senate trials.
