Trump targets Smithsonian museums over 'partisan’ content
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US exceptionalism is at the center of Trump’s review of eight Smithsonian museums, ordered to remove "partisan narratives" under Executive Order 14253.
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Visitors walk past a statue of Benjamin Franklin, the first US postmaster general, at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
US President Donald Trump’s administration has announced a sweeping Smithsonian museums review, ordering eight of the institution’s most prominent museums to remove what the White House describes as "divisive or partisan narratives."
The targeted institutions include the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian. The move follows Trump’s continued efforts since returning to office in January 2025 to reshape major cultural institutions while cutting arts and humanities funding.
The initiative stems from Executive Order 14253, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," signed on March 27, 2025. The order accuses the Smithsonian Institution of being "under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology" and promoting narratives portraying "American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive."
The White House sent a letter on August 13 to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch outlining a three-phase process. In the first 30 days, the targeted museums must submit extensive documentation, including exhibition plans, wall text, educational materials, grant records, and internal guidelines.
After 120 days, they are expected to begin "content corrections" to replace divisive or ideologically driven language with "unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions." Additional Smithsonian museums will be reviewed in later phases.
Project 2025’s influence on cultural policy
The review is closely tied to Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for conservative governance, which advocates removing federal funding from museums and libraries that do not conform to conservative ideologies. Several of its architects, including Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, co-signed the Smithsonian review letter.
Since returning to office, Trump has closed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices across federal agencies, including the Smithsonian’s. He also replaced Democratic board members at the Kennedy Center and appointed his allies to vote him in as chairman. Additionally, he canceled millions in humanities grants to organizations deemed inconsistent with the administration’s vision, and placed the entire staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services on administrative leave ahead of its proposed elimination.
Supporters of the policy argue it will highlight what makes the US "unique and morally superior," promoting unity over division. Critics warn it amounts to a politically motivated whitewashing of history, erasing discussions of slavery, systemic racism, and the contributions of marginalized communities.
The Congressional Black Caucus strongly condemned the initiative, stating, "There is nothing divisive or improper about telling the truth. Black history is American history, and any rhetoric opposing this is not only factually incorrect but blatantly racist."
Smithsonian’s response and implications
The Smithsonian told the New York Times that its work is “grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research and the accurate, factual presentation of history.” While it pledged to review the White House letter, the institution indicated it would continue working with the administration, Congress, and its Board of Regents. However, the threat of federal funding cuts hangs over its ability to resist politically driven changes.
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian operates 21 museums and the National Zoo, attracting over 16 million visitors annually. The outcome of this review will likely influence not only museum curation but also the wider national debate over education, cultural memory, and the government’s role in shaping historical narratives.
