Museums will deliver plans for displays featuring Trump administration artifacts
In a move that has sparked controversy, the White House, under President Donald Trump, has initiated a comprehensive review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions. The review aims to ensure that the exhibitions align with the administration's vision of American history, emphasizing unity, progress, and American exceptionalism, ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence[1][2].
The review specifically focuses on eight Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture[1][3]. It examines public-facing content such as exhibition texts, websites, social media, and educational materials, as well as curatorial workflows and exhibition planning[2]. The administration expects to complete this alignment within 120 days[3].
The review targets exhibition content, curatorial processes, future exhibitions, and the use of collections to remove what the White House considers divisive or partisan narratives and to restore public confidence in cultural institutions[1][2]. Some documents must be submitted within 30 days[2]. 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 Museum of Air and Space, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden are now undergoing investigation as part of the review[2].
However, this review has faced criticism and legal concerns. The Smithsonian, established as a publicly chartered trust governed by a Board of Regents and not formally part of the Executive Branch, traditionally operates independently of presidential directives. Critics, including EveryLibrary, argue this White House review and prior content review demands constitute political overreach beyond legitimate executive authority, potentially infringing on the Smithsonian’s legal autonomy and scholarly independence[3]. The Smithsonian Institution itself stated it is reviewing the White House letter while reaffirming its commitment to scholarly rigor and factual history[1].
This is not the first time Donald Trump has criticized museums. In the spring, he issued a decree stating that the incomparable heritage of the nation, which drives freedom, individual rights, and the happiness of people, had been portrayed as racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed in museums[1]. The decree named the Smithsonian Institution as an example[1]. The review is also examining whether narratives deemed "divisive or biased" are being disseminated in exhibitions[1][2].
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025, August 12). Smithsonian Museums to Align Exhibits with Trump Administration's Vision of American History. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/us/politics/smithsonian-museums-trump-administration.html
[2] The Washington Post. (2025, August 12). Trump Administration Orders Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions to Align with American Ideals. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trump-administration-orders-review-of-smithsonian-exhibitions-to-align-with-american-ideals/2025/08/12/4a671084-89af-11eb-a04a-7f019a1374f8_story.html
[3] The Hill. (2025, August 13). Smithsonian Institution Faces Backlash Over Trump Administration Review. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/arts-culture/571639-smithsonian-institution-faces-backlash-over-trump-administration-review
Read also:
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
- Experimenting with Merz's Germany has stretched into an extended period of time, resembling a numerous three-month duration.
