White House Orders Review of Smithsonian Museums to Align Exhibits With Trump’s American History Vision

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House has launched a comprehensive review of Smithsonian museum exhibits and materials, directing the nation’s most iconic museums to reassess how American history and culture are presented to the public. The initiative — part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to ensure that museum content reflects **“American exceptionalism” and a unified national narrative ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary — has sparked debate among historians, curators and lawmakers.

In an official letter published this week, White House officials instructed Smithsonian Institution leaders to submit extensive documentation of exhibitions, educational programs, curatorial planning, and even social media content. The goal, according to the letter, is to remove divisive or partisan narratives and elevate displays that celebrate unity, progress and shared national values.

Eight Major Smithsonian Museums Targeted in First Phase

The review will initially focus on eight key Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

White House officials cited President Trump’s Executive Order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which directs federal agencies to reevaluate cultural institutions and public displays to ensure they align with a specific vision of America’s past, especially as the country approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.

Under the timeline outlined by the White House, Smithsonian museums are expected to begin reviewing and, if necessary, revising exhibit text, placard language and other public-facing materials so they “reflect historically accurate, unifying, and constructive descriptions” rather than narratives considered “divisive or ideologically driven.” Officials have emphasized that the process will unfold in stages, with a phased review and specific deadlines for documentation and content adjustment.

Funding and Compliance Pressure From Washington

In addition to review requirements, the White House has signaled that federal funding for the Smithsonian Institution could be dependent on full cooperation with the review process. A recent letter from White House budget officials warned that Smithsonian funding may be withheld if requested materials are not provided and content adjustments are not documented — a move that has alarmed museum officials and cultural leaders.

The Smithsonian, which oversees 21 museums and the National Zoo, responded by affirming its commitment to scholarly excellence and factual presentation of history. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III stated that the institution is already engaged in internal review efforts and will work to provide the information requested while maintaining its curatorial independence.

Critics Warn of Political Overreach and History Revisionism

Historians, cultural experts and some members of Congress have sharply criticized the White House’s directive, warning that government intervention in museum content could undermine the independence of cultural institutions. Critics argue that museums should interpret historical materials based on research and public trust, not political directives, and that attempts to reshape exhibitions to fit a specific ideological vision risk “whitewashing” key parts of the American story.

Opponents of the review have also noted that exhibitions which include difficult chapters of U.S. history — including slavery, segregation and Native American displacement — are essential to a full understanding of the nation’s past. They say efforts to adjust or remove such narratives may distort public knowledge and erode the Smithsonian’s longstanding reputation for objective scholarship.

What the Smithsonian Review Means for 2026 Celebrations

The White House review comes as the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary of independence, a milestone that leaders say should reflect pride and unity. By aligning Smithsonian exhibits with the administration’s vision, officials hope to present a history that highlights American achievements and shared values.

However, the unfolding review has raised tough questions about the role of government oversight in cultural institutions and whether historical interpretation can — or should — be guided by political imperatives. As the Smithsonian and the White House continue discussions, the debate over content, interpretation and institutional independence is likely to shape public discourse in the months leading up to the nation’s big celebration.