Trump Proposes Replacement for Smithsonian Art Piece

President Donald Trump has urged the Smithsonian Institution to install a large statue of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. He suggested the statue replace the existing “Infinity” sculpture, insisting that a more patriotic representation is needed.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump specifically called for the removal of the “Infinity” sculpture. He expressed a desire for the 11-foot statue of Washington, which was displayed at the recent Freedom 250 Grand Prix Race, to be placed in the museum’s Flag Hall. Trump proposed that this statue be dedicated on Constitution Day, September 17, 2026, and called for the creation of a five-year exhibition celebrating Washington’s contributions.

“Replace a sculpture that says nothing about America with the man who, more than anyone else, says everything about America,” Trump emphasized.

The “Infinity,” created by José de Rivera, is a narrow stainless steel ribbon that stands 13.5 feet tall. It was recognized as the first abstract piece commissioned by the federal government in the area, symbolizing time and technology. This art piece is located at the museum’s south entrance and was originally unveiled when the museum was known as the National Museum of History and Technology.

Trump is motivated by a desire to honor Washington ahead of what would be his 300th birthday on February 22, 2032. In another communication, he reiterated his call for a “Colossus statue” to take the place of the modern artwork.

“That strange modernist sculpture tells visitors nothing about America, inspires no one, and honors none of our Great American Heroes,” Trump commented on the “Infinity” piece. “George Washington does. He is easily America’s Greatest Hero. Without him, our Country and our Freedoms wouldn’t exist.”

He further criticized the Smithsonian for not adequately honoring Washington and the Founding Fathers during the nation’s 250th anniversary. Trump pointed out that significant events, like Washington’s crossing of the Delaware on December 25, 1776, are not given due recognition in the museum.

“Washington’s Heroic Crossing of the Delaware… is not even mentioned in the Museum,” Trump lamented. “His Victory at Trenton, and the stories of the Americans who fought and died for our Independence, deserve far more attention.”

Trump also took aim at the Smithsonian’s current focus on themes like “decolonization.” He suggested this approach overlooks American triumphs and the stories of those who achieved great things. He specifically criticized how one exhibit describes Columbus’s discovery as the “Great Unsettling” of the continent.

“That tells you all you need to know about how twisted the thinking is today at the Smithsonian,” he remarked. “Instead of a Center for Restorative History, America’s National History Museum should have a Center for American Heroes.”

Trump concluded by emphasizing the need for a museum narrative that highlights American accomplishments and ideals, asserting that there is no better figure to lead this narrative than George Washington.

A visual representation of the proposed statue was included in his social media post, depicting where the large bronze statue of Washington would stand in place of “Infinity.”