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1h ago

White House Publishes List Targeting 20 Smithsonian Exhibits as ‘Ideological’

The move follows a new White House review that gives eight Smithsonian museums 120 days to begin content changes.

A sign is seen outside of the Smithsonian National Museum of American history on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • The unsigned list, titled “President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian,” names 20 exhibits and artworks across seven museums as objectionable.
  • Items flagged focus on race, slavery, immigration and LGBTQ+ topics, citing a Pride flag at the American History Museum, a Benjamin Franklin display’s emphasis on slavery, and art showing migrants at the border.
  • The document borrows heavily from The Federalist’s recent critique but adds new targets, including a National Portrait Gallery stop‑motion animation about Anthony Fauci and programming linked to Ibram X. Kendi.
  • An August 12 White House letter ordered eight museums to submit wall text and exhibition plans, with changes expected to start within 120 days and the broader review potentially concluding in early 2026.
  • The Smithsonian said it is reviewing the directive and reaffirmed its commitment to scholarly accuracy, while President Trump labeled the institution “out of control” and aides vowed to root out what they call divisive ideology.