Trump Administration Threatens Smithsonian Funding Over Content Review

The administration of Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from the Smithsonian Institution if the organization does not comply with a sweeping review of its exhibition content. In a letter dated December 18, 2025, White House officials demanded full documentation—including curatorial manuals, gallery labels, and programming plans—by January 13, 2026.

The review stems from Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, which seeks to remove what the administration calls ideological indoctrination and divisive narratives. Officials target eight museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to ensure they promote American exceptionalism ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary. The White House claims some exhibits portray the U.S. as inherently racist or oppressive.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III responded by reaffirming the institution's independence and commitment to factual history. He attributed delays in providing requested materials to a recent 43-day government shutdown. Because the federal government provides approximately 62% to 66% of the Smithsonian's budget, the administration holds significant financial leverage over the public-private trust.

This escalation follows previous friction between the White House and the institution, including the recent resignation of National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet after an attempt by the president to fire her.