Trump Hosts Smithsonian Institution Secretary for Exclusive White House Discussion

(CNN) – On Thursday, President Donald Trump hosted a lunch with Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III at the White House. According to a White House official, "The meeting was both productive and cordial."This encounter, initially reported by The New York Times, follows Trump's orders to his legal team for a review of museums. He views the Smithsonian as “out of control,” criticizing its focus on the negative aspects of American history, notably slavery. Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced it would assess Smithsonian materials and exhibitions to align with these directives. Lindsey Halligan, overseeing the review, joined the lunch. Halligan previously remarked to Fox News about an “overemphasis on slavery,” advocating for more emphasis on progress since that era.CNN has sought comment from the Smithsonian regarding the discussions. Bunch, who took office as secretary in 2019 and is the institution’s first African American head, has emphasized the complexity in addressing slavery’s legacy in exhibitions. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)