Exhibition plans for Trump administration exhibits to be submitted by museums
In a move that has sparked controversy and debate, the Trump administration has initiated a formal review of U.S. museums, with a particular focus on the Smithsonian Institution. This review aims to address what the administration describes as excessive focus on negative aspects of American history and to promote an emphasis on "American exceptionalism," success, and unity [1][3].
The White House has instructed attorneys to review Smithsonian museums' exhibitions, following an executive order (Executive Order 14253, titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History) that directs the removal of what the administration calls "improper ideology" [1][3]. The review is described as comprehensive and intended to ensure museum content aligns with Trump’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism while removing "divisive or partisan narratives" [3].
The Smithsonian is an independent institution governed by a Board of Regents, including the Vice President, and not directly under presidential control. However, the president can influence funding for museums that receive federal support [2]. A White House official indicated this museum review could be expanded beyond the Smithsonian to include other American museums perceived to have "woke" ideological content [2].
Some museums have been given 30 days to submit documents for review, including exhibition texts, wall labels, websites, and educational materials [1]. Museums in Washington are required to submit concept designs, exhibition plans, catalogs, and programs of all current exhibitions to the presidential administration of Donald Trump [1].
The decree issued by Trump in the spring further claims that the incomparable heritage of the nation, which drives freedom, individual rights, and human happiness, has been portrayed as racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed [1]. The U.S. government is reviewing exhibitions in several museums for potentially divisive or biased portrayals of American history, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Portrait Gallery [1].
This is not the first time Trump has criticized museums, but it is the first time museums have been required to submit documents to the presidential administration for review [1]. Historians and museum professionals have voiced concern that this unprecedented level of political oversight threatens museum independence and scholarly integrity [2].
The review comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the USA next year, a significant milestone that many museums were preparing to commemorate with exhibitions and programmes [1]. The review process is ongoing, and its impact on the portrayal of American history in museums remains to be seen.
[1] The Washington Post, "Trump administration orders review of Smithsonian museums for potentially biased portrayals of American history," May 2025. [2] The New York Times, "Trump's Museum Review Expands Beyond the Smithsonian," May 2025. [3] The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Administration Takes Aim at 'Woke' Museums," May 2025.
The Trump administration's review of U.S. museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, is focused on policy-and-legislation and politics, as it aims to address an alleged excessive focus on negative aspects of American history and promote "American exceptionalism," success, and unity. The White House's review could potentially be expanded beyond the Smithsonian to include other American museums perceived to have "woke" ideological content.
