Trump launches review of Smithsonian museums
By: Zac Anderson
USA Today
..... The Trump administration is launching a "comprehensive" review of the Smithsonian Institution, taking a microscope to the nation's premier museum system amid a campaign that has targeted leading American institutions.
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Administration officials sent a letter on August 12 [2025] to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III announcing there would be a review to determine if the institution's materials conform to the Trump administration's views on teaching history.
..... "This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptional ism, remove divisive or partisan tentatives and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions,: the letter states.
..... The letter sets a timeline for the Smithsonian to turn over materials for review and make changes. It states that within 120 days, the Smithsonian is expected to begin making "content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions."
..... In a statement, the Smithsonian said it would "continue to collaborate constructively with the White House."
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"The Smithsonian's work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate factual presentational of history. We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind," the statement reads.
..... The review will focus on Smithsonian exhibits, along with the process for crating them. It is expected to be completed early next year, [2026] which is the 250th anniversary of the Nation's founding.
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The letter cities the anniversary, saying. "As we prepare to celebrate ... it is more important than ever that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story."
..... founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is a public-private partnership established by Congress. In has 21 museums, 14 education and research centers and includes the National Zoo. Federal funds make up about 62% of its budget, according to the institution's website. It is governed by a 17-member Board of Regents that includes Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, six members of Congress and nine members of the public.
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The Trump administration's review will initially focus on eight museums, including the museums of American History; African American History and Culture; Natural History; and the Museum of the American Indian.
..... Trump's second term has been marked by an aggressive campaign that has taken aim at institutions such as Harvard University, which is locked in a legal battle with the administration, and the Kennedy Center. in addition to leading American institutions, Trump's moves have targeted diversity efforts and transgender athletes.
..... The president laid the groundwork for the Smithsonian review with an executive order in March [2025] entitled "restoring truth and sanity to American history." The order includes a section called "Saving Our Smithsonian" that directs Vance to work with other administration officials on "seeking to remove improper ideology form such properties."
..... The Smithsonian recently removed reference to Trump from an exhibit on presidential impeachment but later restored them.