Federal institutions display intentions for Trump Administration's approval regarding upcoming exhibitions - Exhibitions detailing the Trump administration's tenure to be handed over by museums
The Trump Administration has initiated a review of exhibition plans and materials at Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., as part of an effort to realign the museums' narratives with the administration's priorities. This move is based on Executive Order 14253, titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.
The order mandates a comprehensive internal review of Smithsonian exhibitions to ensure they emphasize American exceptionalism, unity, progress, and "brightness" while avoiding divisive or partisan content. The focus is on exhibits that may disproportionately highlight negative historical themes, such as those that portray America in a negative light with too much emphasis on slavery and struggles, rather than success and future achievements.
President Trump has expressed frustration that "everything discussed is how horrible our Country is," and he has instructed White House lawyers to review Smithsonian exhibits with the goal of making the museums less "woke" and more aligned with a positive narrative of America’s history and future.
A formal letter from the White House to the Smithsonian requested information about current and planned exhibits and instructed museum officials to implement what it terms "content corrections" within 30 days, ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The letter underscores the administration’s desire for museums to present a unified and inspiring American story that supports patriotism and national pride.
The Smithsonian Institution, which operates numerous museums in the capital Washington, has declined to comment publicly on the review so far. This policy change represents a significant shift in federal oversight of national museum exhibitions and reflects the administration’s broader cultural and historical narrative priorities.
The review will examine exhibition texts, wall labels, websites, and educational materials for tone, historical context, and "alignment with American values." The goal is to control potentially offensive portrayals of American history and ensure exhibitions are factually accurate and do not distort American history.
This is not the first time President Trump has criticized museums. In the past, he has voiced disapproval of exhibits that he perceives as negative or biased. The current review is part of a broader policy to remove what the administration calls "improper ideology" or "woke" content from federal institutions, including museums.
The review comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. next year, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the content and tone of exhibitions at the Smithsonian museums.
- In response to the Trump Administration's executive order, The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment that is aligned with the administration's policies and politics, emphasizing American exceptionalism, unity, progress, and 'brightness'.
- The ongoing review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions, focused on ensuring displays are positive and American pride-inspiring, highlights a shift in policy-and-legislation that mirrors the administration's broader cultural and historical narrative priorities, as reported in the general news.
