Smithsonian review targets seven museums

White House documents show a review of seven flagship Smithsonian museums over perceived bias in US history.

Trump targets seven Smithsonian museums in anti woke push

New documents reviewed by The Guardian reveal a White House plan to examine seven flagship Smithsonian museums for what it calls an overly negative portrayal of US history. The flagged institutions include the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Latino, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African Art, the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Museum of Asian Art. A White House official said the administration will explore all options to address what it calls woke bias and that it cannot verify artifact counts until the Smithsonian provides information in response to a prior letter.

The review comes as the Smithsonian has already adjusted some content tied to recent political events, and observers say the move signals a broader political tactic to influence how history is presented in public museums. The administration has demanded information within 30 days and an effort to implement “content corrections” including replacing divisive language. Separately, the Smithsonian has faced pressure in other areas, and the broader pattern mirrors earlier federal pressure seen on universities and other cultural institutions. The Smithsonian did not respond to requests for comment.

The episode highlights a clash over who controls memory and how it is shown to the public. If political oversight expands into curatorial choices, museums risk becoming arenas for policy battles rather than spaces for education. That could erode public trust and complicate long standing commitments to scholarly independence. Yet supporters argue that taxpayers deserve oversight when exhibits are seen as biased or divisive. The coming weeks will test whether oversight translates into accountability or stifles uncomfortable but essential conversations about history.

Highlights

History will be judged by who writes the captions.