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The White House issued an ultimatum to the Smithsonian Institution Thursday, demanding extensive internal records and threatening to withhold congressional funding if the museum system fails to comply by January 13, according to a Bloomberg report.
In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought expressed concerns about how American history would be presented as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.
“We wish to be assured that none of the leadership of the Smithsonian museums is confused about the fact that the United States has been among the greatest forces for good in the history of the world,” the letter stated. “The American people will have no patience for any museum that is diffident about America’s founding or otherwise uncomfortable conveying a positive view of American history.”
The administration’s demands represent an escalation in a months-long dispute over the Smithsonian’s curatorial approach. The White House accused the institution of slow-walking previous information requests and providing only cursory details about programming, particularly regarding exhibitions planned between 2026 and 2029.
President Donald Trump initiated this conflict earlier this year when he signed an executive order accusing the Smithsonian of operating “under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology.” The order directed the institution to eliminate exhibits or programs that “degrade shared American values.”
The Smithsonian, established by Congress in 1846, oversees many of the nation’s most prestigious museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian. Its governing Board of Regents includes members of Congress and the Supreme Court’s chief justice.
The funding threat carries significant weight, as the Smithsonian receives approximately two-thirds of its annual budget from federal appropriations. The White House letter indicates that the Office of Management and Budget could delay or withhold these funds if the institution fails to provide the requested documentation.
The administration’s demands align with Trump’s broader vision for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, which he has signaled should emphasize patriotism and present a unifying national narrative. The “Freedom 250” initiative, announced earlier by the administration, aims to coordinate semiquincentennial celebrations that highlight American exceptionalism.
This latest move follows previous criticism from White House officials regarding specific Smithsonian exhibitions. In July, White House official Lindsey Halligan told Fox News Digital that the Smithsonian was using taxpayer dollars to promote “one-sided, divisive political narratives,” specifically citing content in the National Museum of American History’s Entertainment Nation exhibit.
“American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country or promote one-sided, divisive political narratives,” Halligan said at the time. She argued that exhibits should present history “in a way that is accurate, balanced, and consistent with the values that make the United States of America exceptional.”
The Smithsonian responded then by stating it is “committed to continuous and rigorous scholarship” and was reviewing exhibit content to ensure it meets institutional standards.
The conflict highlights growing tensions over how American history is presented in national institutions. Cultural heritage sites and museums have increasingly become battlegrounds in broader political debates about national identity, historical interpretation, and the presentation of diverse perspectives.
For the Smithsonian, which hosts millions of visitors annually and serves as a custodian of American heritage, the pressure from the White House raises questions about curatorial independence and the role of government oversight in cultural institutions.
Neither the White House nor the Smithsonian immediately responded to requests for comment on the latest developments in this ongoing dispute.
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11 Comments
The Smithsonian is a revered institution that should be free to display American history as it unfolded, both the positive and negative aspects. Dictating a ‘positive view’ undermines its educational mission.
Exactly. The White House’s stance comes across as an attempt to sanitize and whitewash history to fit a particular narrative. That’s not the role of a national museum.
This feels like another example of the White House trying to exert control over institutions that should remain independent and nonpartisan. Threatening to withhold funding over curatorial choices is a dangerous precedent.
Absolutely. The Smithsonian plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting American history. Its leadership must be able to make decisions free from political influence or repercussions.
This seems like a concerning move by the White House to pressure the Smithsonian over its curatorial approach. Historians and museum leaders should have the independence to present history objectively without political interference.
I agree, the White House’s demands for internal records and threat to withhold funding are troubling. Museums must maintain impartiality and not be subject to political agendas.
As a concerned citizen, I hope the Smithsonian stands firm against these demands. Maintaining the integrity of its educational programs and historical displays should be the top priority, not kowtowing to the White House’s preferred narrative.
Well said. The Smithsonian must uphold its responsibility to the American people by presenting a balanced, fact-based account of our nation’s history, even if that conflicts with the current administration’s views.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific programming and curatorial decisions that have sparked this conflict. What are the Smithsonian’s plans for the 250th anniversary, and how do they differ from the White House’s vision?
Good question. More transparency around the dispute would help the public understand the underlying issues at play. The Smithsonian should be allowed to carry out its mission without undue political pressure.
This is a troubling development that raises concerns about the politicization of cultural institutions. The White House should respect the Smithsonian’s independence and resist attempts to dictate the content of its exhibits and programs.