Trump advocates for a focus on the country's positive aspects at the Smithsonian, rather than the darkness of slavery.
The White House is currently conducting a comprehensive review of select Smithsonian museums and their exhibitions, with the aim to ensure that these institutions "reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story." This review, initiated in early August 2025, involves several phases and key deadlines.
Within 75 days from August 12, 2025, Smithsonian museums are expected to submit additional requested documentation and finalize updated plans for commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in coordination with the White House. The review process also includes voluntary interviews with curators and senior staff to better understand museum goals and curatorial visions.
By 120 days, museums are expected to begin implementing content corrections where deemed necessary to remove language seen as divisive or ideologically driven, replacing it with descriptions framed as unifying, historically accurate, and constructive across all public-facing materials.
The review is anticipated to conclude with a final report prepared for the White House in early 2026, which will include museum-specific assessments, institutional trends, and recommendations for future exhibition strategies focused on a vision centered on “Americanism” — emphasizing the people, principles, and progress defining the nation.
This review has been met with controversy, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive aspects of American history, particularly slavery. Former President Donald Trump had criticized the Smithsonian for focusing excessively on the negative aspects of slavery, and the White House has stated that it wants the institutions to better align with a directive to celebrate American exceptionalism.
In response, numerous artists, scholars, and cultural organizations have publicly opposed this politicized oversight, arguing that museums must present the full, complex history of the country—including contradictions such as slavery alongside freedom—and resist efforts to sanitize or restrict the narrative. They have emphasized the importance of museums in reflecting both the painful and proud parts of American history to foster an honest understanding of the nation.
The review is focused on eight museums, including The National Museum of African American History and Culture, The National Museum of American History, The National Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of the American Indian, The Smithsonian American Art Museum, The National Air and Space Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
During his visit to The National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2017, Trump praised the museum, calling it "incredible," "done with love," and a "truly great museum." However, he expressed frustration over the museum's portrayal of dark parts of America’s history, including slavery. Trump has instructed his attorneys to go through the museums and start a process similar to the one done with Colleges and Universities.
The ongoing review has sparked significant debate about museum independence, historical interpretation, and the politics of cultural memory within the Smithsonian Institution. As the review progresses, it remains to be seen how the Smithsonian will balance the need for historical accuracy with the White House's directive for a more positive portrayal of American history.
Sources: [1] ABC News [2] ABC News (multiple reports)
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