Trump escalates rhetoric against museums identified as 'woke' - Trump intensified his critique against museums
In a significant turn of events, several national museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian, are undergoing comprehensive reviews and adjustments following former President Trump's criticism of "woke" culture and his specific targeting of cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian museums in Washington.
The Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research centers in Washington, D.C., primarily funded by the federal government of the United States, initiated a comprehensive internal review in August 2025, following a directive from the White House. This review aims to align museum exhibitions and materials with a presidential directive emphasizing "American exceptionalism" and removing what is described as "divisive or partisan narratives."
Museums are required to submit extensive documentation, including exhibit content, promotional literature, and educational programs, followed by voluntary interviews with curatorial staff to better understand the institutions' visions. Key deadlines established include the submission of requested documentation within 75 days and the implementation of "content corrections" within 120 days to replace divisive language with more "unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions" across all exhibits and materials.
Evidence of this review's impact on museum content can be seen in the temporary removal of a placard referencing Trump's two impeachments from an exhibit at the National Museum of American History in July 2025. The placard was later reinstalled with revised text, although the Smithsonian denied direct pressure from the government, stating that the removal was temporary.
Trump publicly criticized the Smithsonian via social media, claiming the museums focus excessively on negative aspects of American history, such as slavery and social grievances, instead of celebrating successes and the future.
The changes in the exhibitions are intended to align with Trump's political views and values, with the celebration of "American exceptionalism" being emphasized in the revised exhibitions. Museums are being asked to remove exhibitions containing content that the US government deems divisive or biased. The revisions of the exhibitions are expected to be completed by the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
This initiative reflects an intensified ideological intervention in how national museums present American history, prompted by Trump's escalated stance against "woke" cultural narratives. The changes in the exhibitions are part of a broader effort to change the culture in national museums, similar to what Trump has done with universities.
Last year, nearly 17 million people visited the various institutions in Washington, D.C., under the Smithsonian, with admission generally being free. Eight museums under the Smithsonian Institution, primarily funded by federal money, are affected by these changes.
Trump has vowed to change the culture in national museums, similar to what he has done with universities. He declared that "woke is broke," roughly meaning "woke is finished." The US government has ordered the removal of divisive or biased representations of US history and culture from exhibitions in national museums.
This news marks a significant shift in the presentation of American history in national museums, with the focus shifting towards a more patriotic narrative centered on American achievements and unity. As the review and adjustments continue through early 2026, a final report on museum-specific outcomes and recommendations is expected.
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