Trump Cracks Down On Smithsonian
The Trump administration is intensifying its dispute with the Smithsonian Institution, cautioning that federal funding may be pulled if the museum system does not cooperate with a White House review targeting what officials say are divisive and anti-American themes.
In a letter delivered Thursday to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, top White House officials made clear that ongoing federal funding hinges on the institution’s compliance with President Donald Trump’s order to examine and revise its exhibits and programming.
White House Links Funding to Compliance
According to the letter, federal money is available only if they are used in a manner consistent with the president’s March executive order, which launched a broad review of content across the Smithsonian Institution.
That order instructs administration officials to eliminate what it calls political indoctrination and one-sided portrayals that depict American history in an overly negative light.
The letter was signed by White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought. Both officials said the Smithsonian has not fully complied with earlier requests for information.
“Materials provided to date fell far short of what was requested,” the officials wrote, noting that most of the required documents remain outstanding.
Internal Documents Demanded
The dispute intensified earlier this year after the administration requested a wide range of internal Smithsonian materials, including:
- Exhibit labels and curatorial guidance
- Future exhibition and programming plans
- Internal communications related to artwork selection
- Decision-making documents tied to public messaging
White House officials argue the review is necessary to ensure that federally supported institutions do not promote narratives that undermine America’s founding principles or dismiss the nation’s achievements.
Emphasis on American Pride
“The American people have little patience for museums that appear reluctant to present a positive view of American history,” the letter states, calling for exhibits that reflect pride in the nation’s accomplishments, progress, and values.
Although the Smithsonian operates as a public-private trust and does not formally fall under the executive branch, the financial connection is significant. Roughly two-thirds of its operating budget comes from federal funding, giving the administration considerable leverage.
Budget Authority as a Pressure Tool
The Trump White House has increasingly used budget oversight to challenge institutions it believes are out of step with the president’s agenda and with the views of everyday taxpayers.
President Trump ordered the Smithsonian review in August, accusing the museum system of portraying the United States as fundamentally flawed, rather than offering a balanced account that includes the country’s historic successes and global leadership.
Administration officials say too many exhibits focus heavily on America’s past failures while minimizing the broader story of freedom, innovation, and opportunity.
Deadline Approaches
Under the current directive, the Smithsonian has until January 13, 2026, to submit the remaining documents. This includes detailed programming plans for events tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
In a response issued Friday, Secretary Bunch pledged cooperation with the administration’s request but noted that a recent 43-day government shutdown delayed the institution’s ability to gather all of the requested materials.
