Trust in US Museums Rises Across Party Lines, Survey Finds

A recent survey conducted by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in collaboration with Wilkening Consulting indicates a rise in trust towards museums among Americans of various political affiliations. Released on August 17, the findings stem from a January poll and annual assessments from 2021 through 2025. Conservatives rated museums at 7.3 on a 10-point scale, an increase from prior years; moderates scored them at 7.2, reflecting a 0.6 rise since 2021; while liberals maintained a score of 7.8, consistent with the previous year. Museums ranked just below friends and public libraries, outpacing trust in scientists, researchers, news organizations, and the US government. Susie Wilkening, the survey's lead author, highlighted public resistance to political influence in museum content, citing ongoing criticisms of the Smithsonian. Former President Donald Trump has sought to alter historical narratives and accused the institution of excessive political bias, threatening its federal funding and proposing one of the lowest budgets in a decade. Amid these challenges, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced his resignation effective at the end of the year.