White House Reviews Smithsonian Museums for Alignment with Trump’s Vision
Officials at the White House are now looking into various Smithsonian museums as part of an initiative to celebrate American exceptionalism. The goal seems to be to remove any divisive or partisan narratives while aligning with President Trump’s approach to restore trust in these important cultural institutions.
A letter sent to Smithsonian Institute Director Ronnie Bunch was signed by notable figures from the National Policy Council, including Vince Haley, along with Lindsay Harrigan, a Senior Deputy Chief of Staff, and Russell Voat, who oversees Management and Budget. According to a report, the review is intended to “maintain confidence in one of the most important institutions.”
Officials have confirmed this report to ITK, building interest in how these museums will be affected. One key focus will be an exhibition related to the upcoming 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Declaration of Independence next year.
The letter specifically targets eight Smithsonian Museums, which includes the National Museum of African American History and Culture, along with the American History Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of the American Indian.
Back in March, Trump had signed an executive order implying that the Smithsonian had been swayed by a divisive racial ideology in recent years. This order criticized narratives that depicted American and Western values as harmful or oppressive, signaling a broader effort to counter initiatives from the Biden administration aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Just last month, Harrigan commented on a specific exhibition at the National Museum of American History, stating, “U.S. taxpayers shouldn’t fund an institution that undermines our country or promotes a divisive political narrative.”
She emphasized that Smithsonian facilities should provide a balanced and accurate portrayal of history that aligns with the unique values of the United States.
Interestingly, the Smithsonian has been in the spotlight recently, particularly after the American History Museum removed an exhibit referencing criticisms related to Trump. The museum later clarified that updates would be made to reflect all relevant information about the history of presidential actions, including Trump’s.
The museum asserted, “We were not asked by the administration or other government officials to remove content from the exhibit,” suggesting that any changes were independent of external pressure.
