Museums mandated to submit strategies for displaying Trump administration artifacts
The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has initiated an internal review of Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington, D.C., to evaluate and potentially revise their exhibitions and materials for any "divisive" or ideologically driven narratives. This review aims to ensure that content tone, historical framing, and alignment with what the White House defines as American ideals are upheld, with a focus on unifying and historically accurate presentations [1][2].
The initial phase of the review covers eight Smithsonian sites, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and others. Phase II will assess additional museums [1][2]. The review process involves submitting documentation, interviewing curators and senior staff, and reviewing promotional and educational materials [2].
Museums are required to update exhibition content to remove divisive or ideologically driven language and replace it with descriptions aligned with a vision centered on Americanism and national progress [2]. This process is tied to preparations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with museums expected to align their messaging with the White House’s “Salute to America 250 Task Force” [2].
A final report with assessments and recommendations is expected by early 2026 [2]. However, museum sector organizations, including the American Alliance of Museums and the Organization of American Historians, have expressed alarm at this political interference, warning of a chilling effect on museum independence and concerns about censorship [1].
The White House has asked the Smithsonian Institution to examine exhibition texts, wall labels, websites, and educational materials for tone, historical context, and alignment with American ideals. The decree states that the incomparable heritage of the nation, which promotes freedom, individual rights, and the happiness of people, has been portrayed as racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed [1].
This is not the first time that Donald Trump has criticized museums. In the past, he has made public statements about museums [1]. Critics accuse Trump of starting a cultural war and restricting artistic freedom and freedom of expression [1]. Some documents must be submitted within 30 days [2].
The Smithsonian Institution was previously named as an example of institutions with portrayals deemed as "distorted narratives" [1]. The museums affected by the investigation include 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 [1]. The review is focused on unwanted portrayals of American history that the government deems as "divisive or biased" [1].
[1] CNN, "Trump administration orders review of Smithsonian museums," 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/02/us/trump-administration-smithsonian-review/index.html
[2] The Washington Post, "Trump administration orders review of Smithsonian Institution museums," 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/07/02/trump-administration-orders-review-smithsonian-institution-museums/
- The policy-and-legislation initiated by the Trump administration involving a review of Smithsonian Institution museums encompasses politics and general news, as it entails a focus on evaluating and revising exhibitions for content that may not align with American ideals, and has sparked concerns about museum independence and censorship.
- The Smithsonian Institution review, encompassing documents, interviews, and assessments of exhibitions, wall labels, websites, and educational materials, is part of a broader political strategy in the Trump administration, aiming to project an unifying and historically accurate portrayal of American history, aligning museum content with American ideals and the White House's "Salute to America 250 Task Force."
