Federal authorities, under the Trump administration, initiate the removal of questionable exhibits from various national museum attractions across the country - Federal authorities in the Trump administration purge questionable exhibits from nationwide museums
The Smithsonian Institution, a renowned cultural institution known for its commitment to scientific excellence and fact-based history, is currently undergoing a comprehensive internal review by the Trump Administration. The review, initiated by Executive Order 14253, aims to ensure that exhibitions, educational materials, and digital content align with what the administration calls "American ideals" and "historically accurate" narratives [1][2][3].
The review, titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, directs a phased review and correction of exhibitions and related materials, including promotional literature, grant data, educational materials, and tour content. The administration seeks documentation submission and voluntary interviews with curators and senior staff to understand curatorial goals, with a final report and recommendations expected in early 2026 [3].
Eight major Smithsonian museums are under direct review, including historically significant sites like the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History [2]. The review focuses on content perceived as politically or ideologically motivated and aims to remove what it describes as "divisive or ideologically driven language."
Museums have responded cautiously but visibly. While spokespeople for the Smithsonian and individual museums did not offer official comments to media requests, the Smithsonian recently removed and then restored mentions of Trump's impeachments in an exhibit after public scrutiny, indicating sensitivity and internal debate regarding content changes. There is also significant concern among museum sector bodies such as the American Alliance of Museums and the Organization of American Historians, who warn that this political interference could have a chilling effect on the museum sector and represent a form of censorship [1][2].
Admission to the Smithsonian facilities is generally free, and nearly 17 million people visited its various facilities in Washington last year [4]. The Smithsonian Institution has stated that it is committed to scientific excellence, rigorous research, and accurate, fact-based presentation of history.
Despite the ongoing review, the Smithsonian Institution denied that this removal was due to pressure from the White House. The Institution also stated that it will cooperate constructively with the White House [5]. Notably, the National Museum of American History removed a reference to the two impeachment proceedings against Trump in July, but a revised sign is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks [6].
This situation remains fluid, with further changes and responses expected as the review progresses into 2026. The Trump Administration's review is ongoing, focused on removing content perceived as politically or ideologically motivated and realigning exhibits with a narrative emphasizing unity and traditional "American ideals" [3].
Donald Trump, as the President of the United States, allows a policy-and-legislation-led review of the Smithsonian Institution, specifically national museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History, under the banner of "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." This review targets content deemed politically or ideologically motivated, aiming to remove divisive or ideologically driven language from exhibitions and related materials.
The Trump government's focus on national museums could affect the sector's general news and political landscapes, with concerns arising about its potential chilling effect and potential censorship from museum sector bodies like the American Alliance of Museums and the Organization of American Historians.
