The Trump administration is warning the Smithsonian Institution that federal funding could be withheld unless it submits additional documentation requested as part of a federal review of museum content.
In a letter sent Thursday to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said materials already provided “fell far short of what was requested,” with most items still outstanding. The review stems from an initiative launched earlier this summer examining exhibits and public programming across several Smithsonian museums.
Administration officials say the effort is tied to President Trump’s executive order directing federally supported museums to promote American exceptionalism, eliminate divisive or partisan narratives, and ensure exhibits reflect American ideals. Museums are instructed to revise content deemed ideologically driven.
