Smithsonian Museum Displays Should Emphasize 'American Superiority' According to the White House
The White House has initiated a review of the Smithsonian Institution, the operator of the nation's major public museums, as reported exclusively by the Wall Street Journal. The review, involving top aides from the Trump administration, aims to restore confidence in Smithsonian museums and ensure alignment with President Donald Trump's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism.
In a letter 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, it was stated that Smithsonian presentations must be accurate, patriotic, and enlightening. The review will cover text, exhibitions, grants given to artists, and collection displays in all 19 Smithsonian museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian.
The review is intended to address concerns over perceived divisive or partisan narratives in the museums' presentations. Notably, Amy Sherald canceled a planned version of the National Portrait Gallery's traveling survey due to perceived censorship over a painting of a Black trans woman posing as the Statue of Liberty. The National Museum of American History also received scrutiny for editing a display that previously included mention of Trump's impeachments, which it subsequently put back on view with altered text.
The review, which will be completed by the beginning of 2026, is part of Trump's executive order that explicitly targeted the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, claiming they promoted a divisive, race-centered ideology. The review is aimed at ensuring that the Smithsonian's presentations are accurate, patriotic, and enlightening, providing an opportunity to present a unified and uplifting narrative of American history and culture.
While the exact parameters and focus areas of the review have not been publicly detailed beyond confirmation of the initiative, the involvement of top aides suggests it is significant and likely comprehensive in evaluating aspects of the Smithsonian’s functioning or mission. The review is intended to restore confidence in Smithsonian museums and ensure they align with President Trump's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism.
- The Smithsonian American Art Museum's exhibition, along with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, are under review due to accusations of promoting a divisive, race-centered ideology.
- The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's collection displays are included in the review to verify their alignment with President Trump's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism.
- In response to concerns about partisan narratives in the museums' presentations, the National Museum of the American Indian is being scrutinized as part of the comprehensive review.
- The National Portrait Gallery has faced a cancellation of a planned traveling survey due to perceived censorship over a painting depicting a Black trans woman resembling the Statue of Liberty.
- The review of the Smithsonian Institution, overseen by top aides from the Trump administration, aims to ensure that art, sculpture, and all exhibitions in the museums adhere to policies and legislation, presenting a positive and patriotic portrayal of American history and culture.
