Trump Plans To Expand His Review Of Museums Beyond The Smithsonian
A White House official told NBC News on Tuesday night that President Donald Trump plans to extend his review of museums beyond the Smithsonian Institution, saying the president intends to hold the Smithsonian “accountable” before expanding the effort nationwide.
Trump posted on Truth Social:
“The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future.”
He added that he has instructed his attorneys to review museum content in the same way his administration has targeted colleges and universities.
White House Orders “Content Corrections”
The Trump administration last week launched an unprecedented review of Smithsonian exhibits ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. A letter from White House Budget Director Russ Vought instructed officials at eight museums to provide details on exhibits and commemoration plans within 30 days.
The letter also directed the Smithsonian to implement “content corrections” where necessary, including replacing what it called “divisive” language.
Smithsonian Under Pressure After Artifact Removals
In May, NBC News reported that at least 32 artifacts had been removed from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, including a hymn book once owned by Harriet Tubman. The removals raised concerns among historians about the White House’s influence on the museum’s curatorial independence.
The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, comprising 21 museums, 14 research centers, and the National Zoo. While the institution receives much of its funding from Congress, its curatorial process has historically operated independently.
Smithsonian Review Mirrors Crackdown on Universities
The White House’s push against the Smithsonian comes after months of pressure on U.S. universities. Trump’s administration has already pulled millions in federal funding from Harvard, Columbia, and Brown, accusing them of fostering antisemitic climates and forcing them to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Some universities have agreed to comply with federal demands, rolling back DEI programs and in some cases paying hundreds of millions of dollars to the government.
