The White House is launching a sweeping review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions, materials, and operations ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. In an Aug. 12 letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, senior White House officials said the effort will focus on promoting “unity, progress, and enduring values” in accordance with the president’s executive order on “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”
The review will examine public exhibition text, online content, curatorial processes, exhibition planning, collection use, and artist grants. According to the letter, the goal is to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore public trust in cultural institutions.
The White House has requested detailed information beyond exhibits, including organizational charts, visitor survey responses, lists of Smithsonian-funded artists, partner organizations, and internal communications related to exhibit and artwork selection. The Smithsonian has 30 days to submit the requested materials. White House teams will also conduct on-site observations and voluntary curator interviews.
The review will focus on eight Washington-based museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The process is expected to conclude in early 2026.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
