The White House is making major moves ahead of America’s 250th birthday, and this time, the spotlight is on the Smithsonian. Donald Trump’s administration has launched a wide-ranging review of all Smithsonian museums, materials, and operations to ensure they match his vision of American history.
According to a letter sent Tuesday to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, officials are demanding a top-to-bottom assessment of online content, exhibit planning, curatorial processes, artist grants, and even the language used in museum displays. The review covers 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo.
Eight museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, must turn over detailed information about their current and upcoming exhibits within 30 days. From there, the administration expects “content corrections” to begin within 120 days — replacing what they call “divisive or ideologically driven” narratives with “unifying and historically accurate” language.
The review also includes “on-site observational visits” and will expand to other Smithsonian institutions in a second phase. The effort stems from Trump’s executive order signed March 27, calling for the removal of “improper ideology” and the restoration of what the administration describes as “truth and sanity” in American history presentations.
The White House says the goal is to highlight “unity, progress, and enduring values” as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial in 2026. Critics, however, are already raising questions about whether this is about preserving history — or rewriting it.
