Trump Administration Pressures Smithsonian to Remove Divisive Narratives

The Smithsonian Institution submitted thousands of documents to the White House on January 13, 2026, following a December 18 ultimatum that threatened the institution's federal funding. The submission included curatorial manuals, digital photographs of gallery labels, and programming plans for the United States' 250th anniversary. This action follows Executive Order 14253, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which mandates the removal of "improper ideology" and "divisive narratives" to ensure museums convey a positive view of the country.

White House officials, including budget director Russell Vought and domestic policy director Vince Haley, argued that the Smithsonian cannot impartially audit itself given its reliance on taxpayer funding, which accounts for approximately 62% to 70% of its $1 billion budget. Vice President JD Vance was tasked with overseeing the removal of anti-American content and ensuring new appointments align with the administration's agenda.

Recent changes at the institution include the removal of wall text referencing President Donald Trump's impeachments and Supreme Court nominations from the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of American History. While Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III maintained that the institution is committed to being transparent, the Smithsonian's Board of Regents remains divided along party lines over the administration's attempts to influence museum content.