Smithsonian Board of Regents Faces Membership Decline Amid Political Pressure

The Smithsonian Institution's governing board, the Board of Regents, has seen its membership drop to 15 following the expiration of terms for two trustees in early March. Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, former board chair and health policy expert, and John Fahey, chairman emeritus of the National Geographic Society, both appointed during the Obama administration in 2014, departed last month. Their successors have not been named. Additional vacancies are anticipated, with Denise O'Leary's term concluding soon and three more regents scheduled to leave in the fall. No replacements have been confirmed, and plans to extend terms for eligible members remain undecided. Although potential candidates were identified last year, the list was never submitted to Congress for approval. Both congressional and presidential consent are required for new appointments. This delay coincides with efforts by the Trump administration to reshape the Smithsonian's direction. In March 2025, an executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' directed Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate what it termed 'divisive, race-centred ideology' from the institution and to collaborate with congressional Republicans on appointing regents aligned with these goals. Over the past year, the administration has intensified pressure, including a campaign against Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, leading to her resignation in June. A review of museum exhibitions was launched to ensure they reflect 'American exceptionalism.' The administration has criticized the Smithsonian's focus on historical issues like slavery and accused it of promoting 'wokeness.' Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III has sought to address concerns from both the White House and museum staff, while some artists have withdrawn from events alleging censorship. Following a government shutdown that impacted museum attendance, Trump renewed scrutiny of the institution and pursued changes to his presidential portrait display at the National Portrait Gallery, including removing references to his impeachments and proposing a dedicated section for multiple portraits of him.