White House’s Review of Smithsonian Content Could Reach into Classrooms Nationwide

September 8, 2025

The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's content to ensure it aligns with the White House's vision of American history, emphasizing "American exceptionalism" while removing what it deems "divisive or partisan narratives. " This review has sparked concern among history teachers nationwide who rely heavily on Smithsonian resources for trusted classroom materials and curriculum development. Critics worry these changes could lead to a sanitized version of American history, particularly as the White House simultaneously launches projects like the Founders Museum with conservative organization PragerU.

Who is affected

History teachers across the country who rely on Smithsonian materials for classroom instruction
K-12 students learning American history
People from underrepresented populations whose histories might be minimized
Museum professionals and historians working at the Smithsonian
Graduate students who previously collaborated with the Smithsonian
Asian Americans whose historical experiences were documented in Smithsonian projects like Russell Jeung's video series

What action is being taken

The White House is conducting a review of all public-facing Smithsonian content to assess "tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals"
The Education Department has launched the White House's Founders Museum in partnership with PragerU
The Smithsonian is undergoing changes to align with Trump's vision of American history
Professional education groups are continuing to support teachers in finding appropriate historical resources

Why it matters

The Smithsonian is a leading provider of trusted educational materials used by over 80% of history teachers
Changes could influence how American history is taught nationwide
The review could potentially sanitize or downplay difficult aspects of American history
Underrepresented populations might see their historical experiences minimized
Teachers rely on the Smithsonian for vetted primary sources they don't have time or resources to create themselves
Students from diverse backgrounds may feel disconnected from historical narratives that exclude their communities' experiences

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint