The Smithsonian Institution has reached a deadline to provide documents regarding its current and future exhibitions for review by the White House, which aims to ensure that “truth and sanity” are upheld in America’s historical narrative.
“As you may know, funding for the Smithsonian Institution is only permissible in line with the following provisions: Executive Order 14253“Returning Truth and Sanity to American History,” the White House noted in a recent letter to Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Smithsonian’s secretary.
The Trump administration issued specific instructions to the Smithsonian in an August 2025 letter, detailing deadlines for compliance.
“We have asked the Smithsonian Institution for various documents, which include descriptions of ongoing exhibitions, plans for future exhibitions, programming materials, and internal guidelines relevant to exhibition development,” the White House reminded Bunch in its correspondence.
Although the Smithsonian seems to have missed the initial deadline, the Trump administration indicated it was “open to extending” it “to accommodate ongoing staffing changes” at the institution.
“While we did receive some production materials from your office on September 18, there hasn’t been any additional material provided for over 90 days since then,” the White House mentioned in the letter.
The administration expressed appreciation for receiving some documentation but added that “the submissions have significantly underestimated the requested items, and most of what we asked remains unfulfilled.”
“These records are vital and should be promptly maintained by all accredited museums, as they are essential for responsible management of significant national collections and for meeting the federal law’s transparency standards,” the letter stated.
In addition, the letter from presidential aides Vince Haley and Russell Vought emphasized the Smithsonian’s mandate to maintain a “fair and accurate record” of all activities across its museums.
They also referred to a directive that requires the Smithsonian Institution to “create and maintain complete and accurate records of its activities, safeguard their integrity, and preserve enduring evidence of historical significance.”
“As officials appointed by the President under Executive Order 14253, ‘Restore Truth and Sanity to American History,’ we have a responsibility to ensure that the Smithsonian Institution adheres to these high standards,” Haley and Vought wrote to Bunch.
They expressed urgency in their communication, highlighting the significant role of the Smithsonian museums in the upcoming year-long celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“We want to emphasize that no one leading the Smithsonian is misled about the fact that the United States has always been among the great powers in global history,” the letter asserted.
“The American public will not accept museums that show hesitance about America’s founding or where there is discomfort in presenting a favorable perspective on American history, one that rightly celebrates our nation’s achievements,” the writers argued.
In closing, Haley and Vought stated their “confidence” that Bunch “shares similar views.” They believe the Smithsonian Institution should exemplify leadership in scholarship, presentation, and accountability.
“The forthcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding offers a unique chance to affirm our trust in the operations of America’s foremost cultural institutions,” they concluded.
