White House Orders a Review of Exhibits at Smithsonian Museums Ahead of Nation’s 250th Birthday

August 20, 2025

The White House has ordered a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's content ahead of America's 250th birthday, aiming to align exhibitions with President Trump's interpretation of American history. The examination, detailed in a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, will assess all public-facing content including exhibitions, social media, and educational materials for their "tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals. " This initiative follows Trump's March executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which accused the Smithsonian of promoting "divisive, race-centered ideology.

Who is affected

The Smithsonian Institution and its leadership
Staff and curators at the eight initially targeted museums (National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden)
Museum visitors and the general public who engage with Smithsonian content
Civil rights leaders who have criticized the administration's focus on the National Museum of African American History and Culture

What action is being taken

The White House is conducting a wide-ranging review of Smithsonian museums and exhibitions
The Smithsonian is reviewing the White House letter while stating its commitment to "scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history"
Museums are being directed to submit materials from exhibits and drafts for upcoming events within 30 days
The administration is specifically targeting eight museums for initial review, with plans to expand to additional museums in subsequent phases

Why it matters

The review represents an attempt by the president to align cultural institutions with his vision of American history
It follows other actions by the Trump administration to influence cultural institutions, including replacing the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees
Civil rights leaders view the focus on the National Museum of African American History and Culture as an effort to minimize Black Americans' contributions and historical obstacles
The initiative raises questions about political influence over historically independent cultural institutions

What's next

Museums will be expected to take "corrective action" within 120 days, "replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions"
Additional museums beyond the initial eight will be reviewed in subsequent phases

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