Overview

• The White House released a detailed roster of exhibits, texts and artworks it deems “out of control,” citing items across multiple museums including LGBTQ+ displays, immigration-themed pieces, and portraits of Anthony Fauci and refugees.
• The list included entries no longer on view and one work never mounted at the Smithsonian, and artist Amy Sherald withdrew a planned National Portrait Gallery presentation after alleging censorship.
• Budget director Russ Vought sent letters seeking extensive exhibit documentation within 30 days and instructing museums to begin “content corrections” by replacing what the administration calls divisive language.
• Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch reaffirmed that curation is driven by scholarship, and the institution’s Board of Regents structure has prompted questions about presidential authority to mandate changes.
• A separate Smithsonian statement reported by Deadline said the board directed leadership to set expectations for unbiased content, allow time for updates, and report back on progress and any personnel actions.