Trump administration launches Smithsonian review to remove 'divisive' materials
The review seeks to 'remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions,' according to a letter.
The Trump administration is launching a "comprehensive" review of the Smithsonian Institution, taking a microscope to the nation's premier museum system amid a culture war campaign that has targeted leading American institutions.
Administration officials sent a letter on Aug. 12 to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III announcing there would be a review to determine if the Institution's materials conformed to the Trump administration's views on teaching history.
"This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions," the letter states.
The letter sets a timeline for the Smithsonian to turn over materials for review and make changes. It states that within 120 days, the Smithsonian is expected to begin making "content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions."
In a statement, the Smithsonian said it would "continue to collaborate constructively with the White House."
"The Smithsonian’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history. We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind," the statement reads.
The review will focus on Smithsonian exhibits, along with the process for creating them. It is expected to be completed early next year, which is the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.
The letter cites the anniversary, saying, "As we prepare to celebrate... it is more important thanever that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define theAmerican story."
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is a public-private partnership established by Congress. It has 21 museums, 14 education and research centers and includes the National Zoo. Federal funds make up about 62% of its budget, according to the Institution's website. It is governed by a 17-member Board of Regents that includes Vice President J.D. Vance, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, six members of Congress and nine members of the public.
The Trump administration's review will initially focus on eight museums, including the Museums of American History, African American History and Culture and Natural History, and the Museum of the American Indian.
Trump's second administration has been marked by an aggressive culture war campaign that has taken aim at institutions such as Harvard University, which is locked in a legal battle with the administration, and the Kennedy Center, where the president named himself chair. Trump has also targeted diversity efforts and transgender athletes.
The president laid the groundwork for the Smithsonian review with an executive order in March entitled "restoring truth and sanity to American history." The order includes a section called "Saving Our Smithsonian" that directs Vance to work with other administration officials on "seeking to remove improper ideology from such properties."
The executive order was met with criticism by some historians who questioned whether it would allow for a balanced and accurate telling of history.
The Smithsonian recently removed references to Trump from an exhibit on presidential impeachment but later restored them.