Trump Cracks Down On Smithsonian
The Trump administration is taking bold action to restore trust in America’s cultural institutions, ordering a full review of key Smithsonian museums to ensure they honor American greatness instead of pushing what the president calls “divisive political narratives.”
In a letter delivered Tuesday to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch, top White House officials — Vince Haley from the Domestic Policy Council, Senior Associate Staff Secretary Lindsey Halligan, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought — called for museum exhibits to present content that is patriotic, factually accurate, and focused on unity.
“This is about preserving one of our most cherished institutions and making sure it tells America’s story with pride,” Halligan told The Wall Street Journal.
Focus on 250th Independence Anniversary
The review will spotlight exhibits planned for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The administration instructed eight museums — including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of the American Indian — to replace ideologically driven displays with content that celebrates the values that make America exceptional.
Trump’s Executive Order Targets ‘Race-Centered Ideology’
This action comes on the heels of President Trump’s March executive order, which took aim at the Smithsonian for embracing what he described as a “race-centered ideology” that casts America and Western principles in a negative light. He has vowed to dismantle Biden-era diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that opponents argue sow division rather than foster unity.
Taxpayer-Funded Museums Under Scrutiny
Halligan recently blasted an exhibit at the National Museum of American History, declaring, “American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country or promote one-sided political agendas. The Smithsonian should reflect the truth — and the greatness — of the United States.”
The Smithsonian has also faced backlash for quietly removing a placard about President Trump’s impeachments from one of its exhibits. The museum later promised to restore the display after “updating” it to include all impeachment proceedings in U.S. history, insisting the removal was not ordered by the administration.
Restoring American Pride in History
For many Americans, this review is a welcome step toward ensuring the Smithsonian tells history truthfully, proudly, and without political spin. Supporters say it’s time to protect these national treasures from partisan agendas and make them a place where every citizen can celebrate the miracle of the American story.
