Museum exhibitions at the Smithsonian must emphasize and honor American greatness and distinctiveness.

White House Conducts Comprehensive Review of Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution is currently undergoing a detailed internal review of its museums' exhibitions and materials, aimed at ensuring historically accurate, unifying, and constructive content. The review, which was announced by the White House, is intended to restore confidence in the institution and align with President Donald Trump's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism.

The review process involves several key steps within specific timeframes. Museums are expected to submit remaining requested documentation, including promotional literature, grant data, educational materials, and guided tour content, within 75 days. They are also required to finalize and submit updated plans for America’s 250th anniversary, coordinating with the White House Salute to America 250 Task Force for aligned public engagement.

Within 75 days, museums must also conduct voluntary interviews with curators and senior staff to understand each museum’s goals and curatorial vision. Museums should begin correcting content by replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying and historically accurate descriptions across all public-facing materials such as placards, wall didactics, and digital displays within 120 days.

If these benchmarks are met on schedule, the review will conclude with a final report in early 2026, containing museum-specific assessments, institutional trends, and recommendations for future exhibition strategy.

The review aims to empower museum staff to adopt a renewed curatorial vision emphasizing Americanism, highlighting the people, principles, and progress defining the nation, to maintain the Smithsonian’s role as a trusted and inspiring institution.

The specific museums included in the review were not individually listed in the source, but the process refers broadly to Smithsonian museums as a whole. The White House intends to review 19 Smithsonian museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, as well as the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of the American Indian.

The review comes amidst recent controversies, such as Amy Sherald canceling a planned version of the National Portrait Gallery’s traveling survey, alleging censorship by the museum over a painting of a Black trans woman posing as the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, the National Museum of American History received scrutiny for editing a display that formerly included mention of Trump’s impeachments, which it subsequently put back on view with altered text.

The review is intended to ensure that the Smithsonian remains places of learning, wonder, and national pride for future generations, presenting accurate, patriotic, and enlightening presentations. The review also aims to remove divisive or partisan narratives, maintaining a unifying and constructive approach to history and art.

The letter was signed by White House senior associate Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley, director of the domestic policy council, and Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget. The review was reported as an exclusive by the Wall Street Journal.

This structured and collaborative approach highlights both preservation and renewal of the Smithsonian’s public role, with the aim of maintaining its status as a trusted and inspiring institution for generations to come.

Museum exhibitions at the Smithsonian must emphasize and honor American greatness and distinctiveness.