White House Orders Overhaul Review of Smithsonian Museums and Exhibits

The White House is undertaking an extensive internal assessment of exhibits and materials at the Smithsonian Institution, the body managing the nation's prominent public museums. This initiative responds to President Donald Trump’s orders regarding the display content.A letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III from three senior Trump aides outlines intentions to align museum displays with the President’s vision of American exceptionalism while eliminating divisive narratives to reestablish trust in cultural institutions.This action reflects the administration’s consistent efforts to impose Trump's perspective on U.S. historical entities and remove diversity-centered materials. In an earlier executive order, Trump condemned the Smithsonian's alleged bias towards a divisive, race-focused ideology.The initial phase will evaluate eight Smithsonian museums, with further assessments planned for additional sites. The Smithsonian affirmed its commitment to scholarly integrity while engaging constructively with the White House, aiming to present history objectively. (Nate Lee: Wikipedia Commons)