White House orders probe of Smithsonian museums to remove ‘partisan narratives’
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The Smithsonian’s vast network of museums boasts of millions of artefacts for public display.
PHOTO: EPA
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WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered a sweeping review of some Smithsonian museums to ensure their exhibitions laud American exceptionalism and “remove divisive or partisan narratives”.
Mr Trump has moved to assert control over major American cultural institutions since starting his second term in January, while also slashing arts and humanities funding.
The Smithsonian is one of America’s most hallowed institutions, with its vast network of museums boasting tens of millions of artefacts for public display.
A letter to the institution’s secretary, Mr Lonnie Bunch, published on the White House website on Aug 12, said the administration would carry out a “comprehensive internal review of selected Smithsonian museums and exhibitions”.
“This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the president’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions,” said the letter, signed by three senior White House officials.
It will target eight major museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian, the letter said.
The review aims to assess “tone, historical framing and alignment with American ideals” across exhibitions, educational materials and digital content ahead of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History removed in July two impeachments
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History removed in July a label referring to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments.
PHOTO: VALERIE PLESCH/NYTIMES
The review requires that the museums submit extensive documentation, including exhibition plans, wall text, educational materials, grant information and internal guidelines, within 30 days.
The Smithsonian said in a statement to 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”.
“We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind… and will continue to collaborate constructively with the White House, Congress and our governing Board of Regents,” it said. AFP
