The Trump administration is clearly extending its control over cultural representation at the Smithsonian, which is recognized as the world’s largest museum and research complex. A letter obtained by the Wall Street Journal reveals that the White House plans a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian’s exhibitions, materials, and operations in preparation for the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The correspondence directed to Lonnie Bunch, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, indicates that administration officials aim to ensure the museums’ programming reflects “unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story.” This initiative is in line with an executive order issued in March, which mandated the removal of “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from the Smithsonian and its affiliated museums.
President Trump’s executive order, titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, emphasizes the administration’s desire to transform the Smithsonian into an institution that ignites children's imagination, celebrates American history and ingenuity, and serves as a symbol of American greatness.
In August, the Smithsonian faced scrutiny after it removed and later amended an exhibit on U.S. presidential impeachments, which included references to Trump’s two impeachments during his first term. Smithsonian officials clarified that they were not pressured by any administration or government officials to alter the content of the exhibit. However, the recent letter suggests heightened scrutiny over various aspects of the institution's operations, including public-facing exhibition text, online content, and internal curatorial processes.
The letter reportedly states that this new initiative aims to align the Smithsonian’s exhibitions with the president’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, eliminate divisive narratives, and restore public confidence in cultural institutions. The letter was signed by several senior officials from the White House, including Lindsey Halligan, White House Senior Associate, and Vince Haley, Director of the Domestic Policy Council.
Halligan emphasized in her statement that the review is “about preserving trust in one of our most cherished institutions.” She reiterated that the Smithsonian museums and exhibits should be accurate, patriotic, and enlightening to ensure they remain places of learning and national pride for generations.
This formal review occurs alongside the Trump administration's decision to place Washington D.C.’s police department under direct federal control, citing a public safety emergency related to crime and homelessness. However, data indicates a significant decrease in violent crime in the area. A report released in January showed that total violent crime in D.C. fell by 35%, marking the lowest rate in over 30 years.
Nineteen museums operated by the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. are expected to be reviewed, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, among others. The Smithsonian’s Board of Regents had previously agreed to conduct a thorough review of all its content to mitigate political influence and bias, leading to the resignation of Kim Sajet, the Director of the National Portrait Gallery, earlier this year.
Moreover, figurative painter Amy Sherald canceled a career review of her work at the Smithsonian due to concerns that the institute would not exhibit her portrait titled Trans Forming Liberty, which features a transgender woman. This cancellation highlights the growing unease among artists regarding the Smithsonian's evolving curatorial direction under the current administration.
The letter from the White House not only initiates a review of current exhibitions but also focuses on exhibits planned for the U.S. 250th birthday celebration. This initiative is part of a broader effort to assert oversight over a range of cultural and academic institutions. The White House has requested that museums revise “divisive or ideologically driven” language and replace it with content that is “unifying and historically accurate.”
A team from the White House is expected to conduct observational visits and museum walkthroughs to assess themes and messaging. Additionally, the administration has requested a review of organizational charts, visitor surveys, and internal communications related to the approval processes for exhibited artists. The White House has set a 30-day deadline for the requested materials, anticipating the completion of its review by early 2026.
