Overview

• President Trump attacked the Smithsonian on Truth Social as "OUT OF CONTROL," claiming museums focus on "how bad Slavery was," and said he instructed his attorneys to "go through the Museums."
• An Aug. 12 White House letter demanded a comprehensive internal review of eight museums, wide-ranging documentation of public-facing materials, and the start of "content corrections" within 120 days.
• The administration released specific examples it deems problematic, citing a 2020 NMAAHC "white culture" infographic (since removed and apologized for), a Pride flag and LGBTQ+ History exhibit at the American History Museum, labels linking Benjamin Franklin’s work to enslaved labor, a National Portrait Gallery Fauci portrait, a border-wall painting, and Latino programming descriptions.
• Lindsey Halligan, a White House adviser helping lead the review, said exhibits overemphasize slavery and should highlight national progress, describing some placards as written in an ideological fashion.
• The Smithsonian says it is reviewing the directive and has an internal review underway, stressing nonpartisan scholarship, as historians and museum professionals criticize the effort and note the institution is governed by an independent Board of Regents.