Exhibition blueprints for Trump administration exhibits to be handed over by museums

Exhibition blueprints for Trump administration exhibits to be handed over by museums

Smithsonian Museums Undergo Comprehensive Review of Exhibitions

The Smithsonian Institution, a congressionally chartered trust that operates numerous museums in Washington, is currently undergoing a comprehensive internal review of its exhibitions and materials. This review, mandated by a letter from the White House on August 12, 2025, is pursuant to Executive Order 14253, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History."

The review's focus is on public-facing content, curatorial processes, exhibition planning, collection usage, and the development of consistent narrative standards to ensure historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of American heritage.

Initially, certain Smithsonian museums, including key history-related institutions, are targeted for assessment and alignment of their portrayal of American history with guidelines envisioned by the executive order.

However, this White House-led review has been criticized as an overreach by organizations such as EveryLibrary. They argue that the Smithsonian Institution is not a typical federal agency under executive branch control and is not legally obligated to comply with executive orders or White House directives unless approved by its Board of Regents or enacted by legislation. Critics contend that these actions amount to political interference rather than legitimate oversight.

Despite the controversy, the review is officially underway, with detailed areas of focus. The investigation affects a wide range of museums, from history to nature to art, with the aim of ensuring exhibitions present historically accurate and uplifting portrayals aligned with American ideals.

| Aspect | Status/Details | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Review mandate | Initiated by White House under Executive Order 14253 (August 2025) | | Review focus | Exhibition content, curatorial process, planning, collection use, narrative standards | | Museums initially involved | Selected Smithsonian museums, including history-focused institutions | | Aim | Ensure exhibitions present historically accurate and uplifting portrayals aligned with American ideals | | Legal/Institutional status | Smithsonian is a congressionally chartered trust, not under direct executive branch control | | Controversy | Criticism of review as political overreach and improper executive interference |

The distorted narrative, as claimed by the administration, is determined more by ideology than by truth. Critics accuse President Trump of instigating a culture war and potentially restricting artistic freedom or freedom of expression. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum are among the Smithsonian museums affected by the investigation. Museums in Washington are required to present concept designs, exhibition plans, catalogs, and programs of all current exhibitions to the presidential administration. The White House is particularly interested in checking for "divisive or biased" narratives ahead of the 250th anniversary of the USA next year. Some documents must be submitted within 30 days according to the government's plans. Exhibition texts, wall labels, websites, and educational materials are to be examined for tone, historical context, and "alignment with American ideals."

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