Voices, Votes & Vision: The Latest in Politics & Public Policy
- The White House ordered a wide-ranging review of Smithsonian public-facing content ahead of the 250th anniversary.
- Review aims to assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals, including celebrating American exceptionalism.
- The review will initially focus on eight museums but may expand to other Smithsonian sites.
- The Smithsonian vows to uphold scholarly excellence and will review the letter and cooperate with the White House and Congress.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House is calling for a review of materials in the Smithsonian museums ahead of America’s 250th birthday next year.
The administration says it wants the museums to make sure what’s on display aligns with quote “American values.”
This follows a call by the president earlier this year to remove what he says is “improper ideology” from Smithsonian museums.
Last week, the White House announced it’s ordering a wide-ranging review of what the Smithsonian museums have on display.
In a letter sent to the Smithsonian secretary, the White House says it expects a review of all public facing content…to “assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals.”
The White House in part says the review is to make sure the Smithsonian museums “celebrate American exceptionalism [and] remove divisive or partisan narratives.”
The Smithsonian Institution runs 17 different sites around Washington, D.C., including gardens and the National Zoo, all of which are free to the public, funded by donations and tax dollars.
According to the White House the review will focus initially on eight museums but the White House says the review could extend to others in the group as well.
In a post on Truth Social this week, President Donald Trump accused the Smithsonian of being “out of control” …a place where “everything discussed is how horrible our country is, how bad slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been.”
The president in part goes on to say the museums don’t talk about “success…brightness…[or] the future.”
In response to the review, the Smithsonian said it remains committed to “scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history.”
The Smithsonian Institution says its reviewing the administration’s letter and will collaborate with the White House, Congress, and its Board of Regents.
Already, the Smithsonian has denied allegations that its removed or adjusted exhibit details in response to pressure from the administration.
The administration says it expects a response from the Smithsonian within 30 days, with the institution taking corrective action within the next four months.
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