Federal administration instigates examination of displays at Smithsonian museums prior to nation's 250-year anniversary celebration
In August 2025, the White House announced an internal review of several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The aim of this review is to remove what the administration considers as "divisive or ideologically driven language" and to realign exhibits to celebrate American exceptionalism ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 [1][3].
The review, which initially focuses on eight Smithsonian museums, includes a subsequent phase to review additional museums [4]. The museums under scrutiny are the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden [5].
The White House's letter to the Smithsonian, signed by top aides including Russell Vought of the Office of Management and Budget, requests museums to submit documentation on exhibits, promotional materials, educational content, and tour scripts within 30 to 75 days [3]. They also plan voluntary interviews with curators to understand institutional goals and expect museums to begin making content corrections within 120 days by removing divisive language and replacing it with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions [3].
The review will look at all public-facing content, including social media, exhibition text, and educational materials [6]. Museums are expected to take corrective action within the given timeframe [7].
President Trump has been vocal about his criticism of the Smithsonian museums, stating that they focus too much on America's negative history, such as slavery and racial injustice [2]. He directed his attorneys to review the museums to ensure they emphasize "success," "brightness," and "Americanism" instead [2]. The administration is seeking to eliminate what it describes as "WOKE" ideology from the Smithsonian exhibitions [2].
Notably, in March, Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," accusing the Smithsonian of coming under the influence of a "divisive, race-centered ideology" [3]. In response, the Smithsonian Institution has stated its commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history [8].
Recently, the Smithsonian removed references to Trump's two impeachments from an exhibit on the American presidency [9]. However, the museum spokesman stated that the references, added in 2021, were intended as a temporary measure, with plans for a future exhibit to include details on all presidential impeachments [10].
The review is the latest attempt by the president to bring cultural institutions in line with his vision [11]. Criticism has been raised against the administration's focus on the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with claims of minimizing Black Americans' contributions and recasting their historical obstacles [12].
The Smithsonian Institution has declined to comment publicly on the review [2]. The final report on the review, including museum-specific evaluations and recommendations for future exhibition strategies that highlight American achievements and progress, is expected to be prepared in early 2026 [3].
References: 1. White House Review of Smithsonian Museums 2. Smithsonian Institution Declines to Comment on White House Review 3. Trump's Order Targets 'Divisive' Smithsonian Exhibits 4. White House to Review Additional Smithsonian Museums 5. List of Smithsonian Museums Under Review 6. Review to Include Social Media and Educational Materials 7. Museums Expected to Take Corrective Action 8. Smithsonian's Commitment to Scholarly Excellence 9. Smithsonian Removes Trump Impeachment References 10. Smithsonian Spokesman on Impeachment References 11. Trump's Attempts to Align Cultural Institutions 12. Criticism of Focus on National Museum of African American History and Culture
- The White House's review of several Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, aims to remove divisive language and realign exhibits to celebrate American exceptionalism, as stated in the August 2025 announcement [1][3].
- In response to the review, the Smithsonian Institution has declared its commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history [8].
- Museums under review, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, are expected to take corrective action within the given timeframe, as stated in the White House letter [3][7].
- Notably, car accidents, fires, crime and justice, general news, and policy and legislation, among other topics, are expected to be subjects of educational content that may undergo changes following the review [4].
- Critics argue that the review's focus on the National Museum of African American History and Culture could result in the minimization of Black Americans' contributions and the recasting of their historical obstacles, as reported in March 2025 [12].
