White House orders Smithsonian review of selected exhibits

President Donald Trump intensified his critique of the Smithsonian Institution on social media, accusing the nation’s premier museum network of being “OUT OF CONTROL” and fixating on “how horrible our country is” and how bad slavery was. The remarks came as the White House pressed for a sweeping internal review of Smithsonian exhibits and programming to align them with a White House directive to celebrate American exceptionalism and remove what it calls divisive, ideologically driven content ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary.

The White House has ordered the Smithsonian to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of selected museums and exhibitions, including websites, social media and educational materials, within roughly 120 days and to report progress to the institution’s governing board. Officials say the review is meant to be constructive and collaborative, aimed at ensuring exhibits present historically accurate, uplifting and inclusive portrayals of American heritage. The Smithsonian has stressed its independence and its long-standing commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research and accurate history, while indicating it will cooperate with the review process.