Smithsonian review ordered by White House

The White House directs a broad review of Smithsonian exhibitions and operations ahead of the 2026 anniversary.

White House orders Smithsonian exhibits reviewed to emphasize patriotism

In a letter obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the White House asked Lonnie Bunch to oversee a wide review of 19 Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC. The scope covers exhibition text and online content, internal curatorial processes, and grants to artists, with plans for exhibitions and the use of collections. The goal is to ensure the museums reflect unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story, in line with a March executive order to remove improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology from the Smithsonian.

Earlier in August, officials noted that a prior exhibit on US presidential impeachments was altered after pressure, though Smithsonian staff said no administration asked for removals. The new letter signals a broader curatorial audit that could touch 250th birthday plans, organization charts, visitor surveys, and the grants given to artists. The order frames the effort as part of a push to oversee cultural institutions and restore confidence in their role as national symbols.

The move marks a shift in how the federal government treats cultural institutions and raises questions about independence and funding. It invites scrutiny of who controls the narrative in publicly funded museums and what counts as objective history. If carried out as described, the review could shape what visitors see and learn for years to come.

Supporters may say the goal is to present a unified national story and protect against divisive rhetoric. Critics warn of a chilling effect on scholars and curators and fear political bias guiding museum programming. The timing around a major national anniversary and related security actions adds political weight and heightens public scrutiny of how culture is funded and managed.

Highlights

History should invite inquiry as well as pride, or it risks becoming a one sided story.