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6h ago

White House Publishes List Targeting Smithsonian Exhibits, Presses 120-Day Review

The move intensifies a presidential campaign to replace content the administration calls divisive with what it labels unifying, historically accurate descriptions.

A sign is seen outside of the Smithsonian National Museum of American history on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2025. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Overview

  • An unsigned White House post titled "President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian" names roughly two dozen exhibits and artworks across multiple museums for framing history through what it calls ideological narratives on race, immigration and LGBTQ+ issues.
  • A letter to Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III orders eight museums to submit current wall texts and future plans for review and to begin making changes within 120 days.
  • The list draws heavily from a Federalist article but adds targets including a Pride flag at the Museum of American History, programming linking Benjamin Franklin to slavery, a border-wall fireworks image, and a Title IX display referencing transgender athletes.
  • The Smithsonian said it is reviewing the directive and reiterated that its work is grounded in scholarly excellence, rigorous research and accurate, factual presentation of history.
  • Historians and museum experts called the effort an unprecedented pressure campaign and cherry-picking, and artist Amy Sherald canceled a planned National Portrait Gallery show after the museum sought to remove her trans Statue of Liberty painting.