White House Initiates Assessment of Smithsonian Museum Displays, Ensuring Alignment with Trump's Perspective on American Historical Narratives
The White House has initiated a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's museum exhibitions, materials, and operations, with a focus on ensuring that museum content reflects unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions rooted in Americanism. This review, in accordance with a March executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," aims to align museums with President Donald Trump's vision of American history.
The review will encompass eight Smithsonian museums, including 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 Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Key areas of focus include the submission and review of documentation such as promotional literature, educational materials, grant data, and tour content. Voluntary interviews with curators and senior staff will also be conducted to understand museum goals and curatorial vision. The finalization of museum plans for commemorating America’s 250th anniversary is another crucial aspect, ensuring coordination with the White House's official celebrations.
The review process also emphasizes the implementation of content corrections within 120 days to eliminate divisive language and promote unity through historically accurate narratives. A comprehensive final report, including museum-specific assessments and recommendations for future exhibition strategies, is expected in early 2026.
The Smithsonian Institution has stated that its work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history. This review, however, seeks to ensure that museums align with the President’s directive on American exceptionalism by emphasizing a positive, inclusive narrative of America’s history and principles.
The White House explicitly frames the Smithsonian's renewed role as projecting the strength, breadth, and achievements of America, consistent with a vision of American exceptionalism that highlights national unity and progress rather than division. The review will assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals, with the goal of celebrating American exceptionalism, removing divisive or partisan narratives, and restoring confidence in cultural institutions.
In other news, tragic incidents have occurred in Washington state and Washington D.C. A prisoner escaped custody at Sea-Tac Airport in Washington, and a man was gunned down in Logan Circle, Washington D.C. Additionally, Danielle Spencer, star of 'What's Happening!!', passed away at the age of 60.
[1] White House Press Release, "White House Announces Comprehensive Review of Smithsonian Institution Museums," March 2021.
- The White House's comprehensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's museums, a focus of the March 2021 executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," intends to align museum content with President Donald Trump's vision of American history, while emphasizing a positive, inclusive narrative.
- The review process for the Smithsonian museums, encompassing eight institutions including the National Museum of American History, will assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals, with the goal of celebrating American exceptionalism, removing divisive or partisan narratives, and restoring confidence in cultural institutions.
