In preparation for the United States' 250th anniversary, the White House has ordered a comprehensive review of exhibits and public content at Smithsonian museums to align with President Donald Trump's interpretation of American history. A letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III outlines steps for assessing exhibits, social media, and educational materials to ensure they reflect American exceptionalism and avoid "divisive or partisan narratives." The Smithsonian affirmed its commitment to scholarly accuracy while promising cooperation. This move follows Trump's earlier executive order accusing the institution of promoting a “divisive, race-centered ideology.” The review, initially focusing on eight major museums, includes directives for museums to submit exhibit materials within 30 days and implement changes within 120 days. Civil rights leaders criticized the focus on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, alleging efforts to downplay Black Americans' historical experiences. The Smithsonian has denied altering exhibits under political pressure, although it recently removed temporary references to Trump’s impeachments, citing future inclusion in broader presidential narratives.
The White House's directive aims to ensure that Smithsonian exhibitions present historically accurate and inclusive representations of U.S. heritage, aligning with President Trump's vision of American exceptionalism. The review will consider exhibit language, educational content, and digital materials related to America’s founding anniversary, with changes required within 120 days. The initiative stems from a March executive order, "Restoring Truth And Sanity To American History," and reflects broader Trump-era efforts to dismantle diversity and inclusion programs. Critics warn the review may politicize the Smithsonian, jeopardizing its independence and historical integrity. The Smithsonian, which is mostly funded by Congress but operates independently, indicated it would engage constructively with the review process.
The review will begin with a few select museums and eventually extend to others. Each institution is required to submit exhibition descriptions and future display drafts within 30 days. This action follows a controversy at the National Museum of American History involving the temporary removal and subsequent revision of references to Donald Trump’s two impeachments. In response, the Smithsonian stressed its commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and accurate historical representation. This review raises questions about potential political influence over curatorial decisions in federal cultural institutions.
The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846, comprises 19 museums, 21 libraries, and a zoo, making it the world's largest museum and research complex. Its mission is to increase and diffuse knowledge, and it operates under the auspices of the U.S. government. The institution has long been a symbol of American culture and history, attracting millions of visitors annually. The current review has sparked debate over the balance between political influence and academic freedom within federal cultural institutions. Supporters of the review argue that it is necessary to ensure that museum exhibits accurately reflect American history and values, while critics contend that it could lead to censorship and the suppression of diverse perspectives.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the role of museums in shaping public understanding of history and culture is under scrutiny. The outcome of the Smithsonian review may set a precedent for how federal cultural institutions navigate the intersection of politics, public opinion, and academic integrity. Stakeholders, including museum professionals, historians, and the public, are closely watching the process to see how it will impact the future of museum exhibitions and the representation of American history.
