The White House has launched a comprehensive review of Smithsonian museums to ensure exhibits align with President Trump’s directive promoting American exceptionalism and removing divisive narratives. This initiative implements Trump’s March 2025 executive order targeting ‘improper ideology’ in cultural institutions and coincides with preparations for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The review was announced in an August 12, 2025 letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch signed by senior White House officials including Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. It specifically targets eight Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of American History. The administration framed the effort as ensuring ‘historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals’ of American history.
This action stems from President Trump’s March 2025 executive order that accused some Smithsonian exhibits of promoting narratives portraying ‘American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.’ The White House letter explicitly states the review aims to ‘remove divisive or partisan narratives’ while celebrating American exceptionalism. Officials emphasized the timing relates to next year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, where the Smithsonian will play a central role.
The process requires museums to submit exhibition materials within 30 days for White House assessment. Within 120 days, institutions must implement ‘content corrections’ replacing what the administration deems ‘ideologically driven language.’ The review will examine current exhibitions, future plans, educational programs, and social media communications. Vice President JD Vance, who sits on the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, is tasked with overseeing compliance per the original executive order.
Critics immediately condemned the move as political interference. The American Alliance of Museums called it ‘an unprecedented political intrusion into curatorial independence,’ while Democratic lawmakers previously labeled similar efforts ‘cowardly and unpatriotic.’ Museum professionals express concern the review could impact exhibits addressing slavery, racial injustice, immigration, and climate change. The Smithsonian responded cautiously, stating it remains committed to ‘scholarly excellence and rigorous research’ while reviewing the letter.
Potential impacts include revisions to current exhibitions like ‘Nation of Immigrants’ and ‘Righting Wrongs: Japanese American Incarceration,’ as well as the Natural History Museum’s climate change display. Future installations, including a major 2026 exhibit on the Declaration of Independence, may face delays or alterations. This follows recent tensions including the June resignation of National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet after Trump claimed he fired her for ‘partisanship.’
Next steps include Smithsonian leadership consulting with its Board of Regents and responding to the White House’s information request. Congressional Democrats have vowed to hold oversight hearings on the matter. The review’s first phase focusing on eight museums will conclude by November 2025, with a second phase covering remaining institutions to follow. Museum professionals nationwide are monitoring for potential ripple effects on historical interpretation at cultural institutions.