Smithsonian plans for America's 250th up in the air after Trump criticisms

Source: The Hill

01/28/26 6:00 AM ET


The Smithsonian Institution is struggling for its independence amid an ideological battle with the Trump administration over how America’s history should be presented. Experts say the political spotlight is a dangerous place for a museum to be, and the Smithsonian has a duty to tell the whole, complex story of the U.S., not just from one angle or viewpoint.

The battle is approaching a tipping point after the Smithsonian acquiesced to an administration demand to hand over documents regarding the types of exhibits it will display for America’s 250th anniversary this summer. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch told staff the institution gave over information related to the White House’s request for lists of all displays, objects, wall text and other materials for the anniversary, The New York Times reported.

The request came with the backdrop of funding threats by the Trump administration after the Smithsonian did not produce information the White House wanted to review.

Last year, President Trump signed an executive order putting Vice President Vance, who was already on the Smithsonian’s board of regents, in charge of eliminating “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” from the institution. In August, the administration unveiled a list of 20 exhibits it finds objectionable, including ones focused on colonialism, slavery and the contributions of LGBTQ Americans.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5708668-smithsonian-america-250th-trump/