Despite White House Attacks, Americans Still Trust the Smithsonian
An analysis published in The Atlantic explores the reasons behind the continued trust Americans place in the Smithsonian Institution, even amidst pressure from the Trump administration, which accused it of disseminating divisive narratives. The National Museum of American History was recently singled out, with claims of "ideological capture." An executive order mandated the National Park Service to display signs outside the museum endorsing sources favored by Trump. However, a YouGov poll indicated that 57% of Americans believe the president should exert minimal influence over exhibits funded by the federal government. Opposition to the removal of content related to slavery and climate change is significant, with 63% of conservatives and 83% of liberals against it. Museums are ranked just after public libraries in terms of trust, largely due to the value of in-person experiences. The article also discusses the museum's development and historical controversies.
Key facts
- The Trump administration has pressured the Smithsonian, accusing it of spreading divisive narratives.
- The White House published a report criticizing the National Museum of American History for 'ideological capture'.
- An executive order ordered the National Park Service to place signs outside the museum directing visitors to Trump-preferred sources.
- A YouGov survey found 57% of Americans say the president should have 'none' or 'not much' influence over federally funded museum exhibits.
- Wilkening Consulting and the American Alliance of Museums found 63% of conservatives and 83% of liberals oppose removing content on topics like slavery and climate change.
- Museums are among the most trusted sources of information, just behind public libraries and family and friends.
- The National Museum of American History opened in 1964 as the National Museum of History and Technology.
- In 1995, a museum director resigned over a controversy about displaying the Enola Gay airplane.
- In 2010, the National Portrait Gallery removed an artwork of a crucifix with ants after right-wing outcry.
- Experts say museums' trust stems from the tangible, in-person experience of seeing real objects.
Entities
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum of American History
- National Park Service
- American Alliance of Museums
- Wilkening Consulting
- YouGov
- Gallup
- Fox News
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Museum of History and Technology
- Hillsdale College
- Impacts Experience
- Center for Trust Studies at the University of Arizona
- Northeastern University
- George Washington University
Locations
- United States
- Washington, D.C.
- South Carolina