Trump Proposes Deep Cuts to Smithsonian Budget and Staff
For fiscal year 2027, the Trump administration has put forward its smallest budget for the Smithsonian Institution in almost ten years, seeking $961.3 million, which reflects an 11 percent decrease from the $1.08 billion allocated in fiscal year 2026. Spending on facilities would see a significant reduction of 21 percent, falling from $152 million to $120 million. The budget plan allocates $841.3 million for salaries and operational costs, resulting in a 6 percent cut in federally funded positions, reducing staff from 4,047 to 3,804. President Trump has criticized the Smithsonian for its "anti-American" historical narratives, sparking heated congressional hearings involving Director Anthea M. Hartig. Additionally, the budget suggests a 44 percent rise in defense spending to $1.5 trillion.
Key facts
- Proposed Smithsonian budget for FY2027 is $961.3 million, an 11% cut from FY2026's $1.08 billion.
- Facilities spending would drop 21% from $152 million to $120 million.
- Salaries and operating expenses would be $841.3 million, down from $928.5 million.
- Federally funded staffing would be cut by 6%, from 4,047 to 3,804 full-time equivalents.
- The proposal is the lowest proposed funding level since at least 2020.
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Anthea M. Hartig faced congressional hearings over a White House report accusing the museum of 'extreme political activism.'
- White House directive orders signs outside the National Museum of American History to flag 'inaccurate information' in exhibitions.
- The administration's FY2027 budget proposes a 44% increase in defense spending to $1.5 trillion.
Entities
Artists
- Anthea M. Hartig
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum of American History
- White House
- Office of Management and Budget
- National Endowment for the Arts
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- National Park Service
- ARTnews
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States