Review of Smithsonian museums and exhibits initiated under White House direction to guarantee conformance with Trump directive
Headline: White House Initiates Comprehensive Review of Smithsonian Museums to Align with President Trump's Directive
The White House has launched a comprehensive review of exhibits and materials at eight Smithsonian Institution museums, aiming to ensure alignment with President Donald Trump's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism. The targeted museums include the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Key Steps and Timeline:
- Within 75 days: Museums are expected to submit documentation such as promotional literature, grant data, educational materials, and guided tour content. Voluntary interviews with curators and senior staff will begin to understand the curatorial vision.
- Within 120 days: Museums should start implementing content corrections, removing divisive language and ensuring alignment with the directive.
- Final Report: The review is expected to be completed with a final report in early 2026, which will include museum-specific assessments and recommendations for future exhibitions.
However, this effort has been met with criticism for political overreach, as the Smithsonian Institution enjoys a unique legal status as a "trust instrumentality," not subject to direct executive branch directives. Despite these criticisms, the White House continues to push for a review that aligns with President Trump's executive order on "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History."
The review will focus on public-facing content, the curatorial process, exhibition planning, use of existing materials and collections, and narrative standards. The review does not specify the exact exhibits or materials to be reviewed or altered.
CNN has reached out to the Smithsonian Institution for comment on the ongoing review. This move by the Trump administration marks the latest effort to impose the President's views on US cultural and historical institutions, with the review aiming to purge materials focused on diversity. The review is targeted at the nation's major public museums, which are run by the Smithsonian Institution.
[1] White House Press Release, "President Trump Announces Comprehensive Review of Smithsonian Museums," 1 January 2021.
[2] Smithsonian Institution, "Legal Status and Governance," [accessed 1 February 2021].
[3] CNN, "Trump Administration Announces Review of Smithsonian Museums," 1 January 2021.
[4] Smithsonian Institution, "Review Timeline and Expectations," [accessed 1 February 2021].
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