Overview

• A letter signed by Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley and Russell Vought tasks Secretary Lonnie Bunch with reviewing content at eight Smithsonian museums under phased 30-, 75- and 120-day benchmarks.
• Phase one will target eight flagship sites, including the National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
• The directive follows President Trump’s March executive order on “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” and past efforts to replace museum leaders and revise exhibits.
• Smithsonian officials said they are reviewing the White House letter in accordance with their commitment to rigorous research and will collaborate with the Board of Regents on next steps.
• Scholars and historical associations condemned the initiative as political overreach while conservative commentators hailed it as necessary oversight to correct perceived ideological bias.