White House Orders Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions

The Trump administration has initiated a review of the Smithsonian Institution, targeting exhibitions and materials deemed divisive. A letter sent Tuesday to Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III cites the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026 and the March 27 Executive Order 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' as justification. The review initially covers eight of the Smithsonian's 21 museums, requiring them to share exhibition programming, internal guidelines, and grant documentation. Museums must implement 'content corrections' within 120 days, replacing 'divisive or ideologically driven language' with 'unifying, historically accurate' descriptions. This follows the March Executive Order, which has increased White House influence over the institution. In late May, Trump attempted to fire National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet via Truth Social; Sajet resigned in June. In July, texts referencing Trump's impeachments were removed from the gallery's 'America's Presidents' exhibition, then reinstated with edits downplaying his role in the January 6 riots and foreign interference solicitation. Also in July, artist Amy Sherald canceled her National Portrait Gallery exhibition over censorship concerns.