White House launches Smithsonian review aimed at removing "partisan narratives"

The Trump administration told the Smithsonian Institution it's launching a "comprehensive internal review" of the world's largest museum and research complex, per a letter the White House released Tuesday.The big picture: "As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Nation's founding, it is more important than ever that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story," states the letter to Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch, signed by White House officials Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley and Russell Vought."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 says the action is in accordance with President Trump's March executive order on reshaping the Smithsonian and removing what he deems "improper ideology" from the institution.Of note: The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in July removed mentions of Trump's two impeachments from an exhibit, before restoring his name to an impeachment display with revisions.What to expect: The review will initially focus on the following museums before shifting focus to others: National Museum of American History.National Museum of Natural History.National Museum of African American History and Culture.National Museum of the American Indian.National Air and Space Museum.Smithsonian American Art MuseumNational Portrait Gallery.Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.Zoom in: Each museum must submit within 30 days all requested materials, including current exhibition descriptions and draft plans for upcoming shows, according to the letter.An inventory of all permanent holdings must be submitted within 75 days and each museum "should finalize and submit its updated plan to commemorate America's 250th anniversary," among other requirements.Within 120 days, museums "should begin implementing content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions across placards, wall didactics, digital displays, and other public-facing materials," per the letter.What they're saying: "The Smithsonian's work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history," the institution said in a media statement Tuesday."We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind and will continue to collaborate constructively with the White House, Congress, and our governing Board of Regents."Representatives for the Smithsonian did not immediately respond to Axios' Tuesday evening request for comment.Read the letter in full, via DocumentCloud: Go deeper: Smithsonian denies artifact removal from African American history museum

Comments

World news

Laura Loomer claims Marjorie Taylor Greene is corrupt in latest escalation of MAGA online feud

Independent

ICE ordered to improve conditions at NYC facility after lawsuit alleges unsanitary cells where immigrants lack food and water

about 5 hours ago

5-year-old boy had his cancer treatments interrupted with his deportation as his family files suit against ICE

Independent

JD Vance says it was ‘very cool’ to have Disneyland shut down for his family vacation - but apologizes for ‘longer lines’

about 7 hours ago

Independent

Foot traffic at American Eagle stores is down 9% after controversial Sydney Sweeney ad: report

about 7 hours ago

Independent

A Vermont man’s death was ruled as suicide. Now, his case will be reopened after his daughter claimed cops botched the investigation

about 7 hours ago

Putin races to grab territory in Ukraine with lightning advance days before meeting with Trump

Evening Standard

Comments

Similar News

Europe's concerns may be getting through as White House reframes Trump-Putin summit

White House plans to review all Smithsonian exhibits to make sure they meet Trump’s agenda for America’s 250th birthday

White House says homeless people in DC will be forced into shelters or put in jail. Advocates say ‘that should terrify everyone’

White House downplays expectations for Trump-Putin Alaska summit

White House is already downplaying expectation for Trump-Putin meeting painting it as only a step toward peace

White House cage fight? UFC boss Dana White says it’s happening in 2026

JD Vance claims Kamala Harris snubbed White House olive branch gesture

A UFC fight at the White House? Dana White says it's happening as part of deal with Paramount

White House UFC cage fight will take place on the South Lawn, Dana White says

Great white shark sightings spike as 11 seen this month off coast – including biggest ever

"Shocking stuff, even for Trump": D.C.-area Democrats rage at White House policing move

White House roils markets with giant tariff revisions

Trump’s see-no-evil move lands Obama and Bushes out of sight in White House portrait shakeup, report says

White House weighs inviting Zelensky to Trump–Putin Alaska summit

White House considering inviting Zelenskyy to Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska - reports

IRS clashed with White House over pulling immigrants’ data before Trump fired commissioner Billy Long: report

Trump promises Monday ‘press conference’ at White House will ‘essentially stop violent crime in Washington, DC’

White House envoy Witkoff meets Qatari prime minister to discuss plan to end Gaza war

As federal takeover threats loom, the city of Washington waits for the White House to make its move

Azerbaijan and Armenia sign peace deal at White House that creates a ‘Trump Route’ in region

World news

Laura Loomer claims Marjorie Taylor Greene is corrupt in latest escalation of MAGA online feud

National Guard troops on the streets of DC to fight what Trump calls ‘out of control’ crime in the nation’s capital

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky warns Putin will launch new war from land gained in Trump deal

Mexico extradites 26 suspected top cartel leaders to U.S. amid pressure from Trump admin

Here's why advocates doubt the Supreme Court will revisit marriage equality

Expo Line disrupted as smoke pours from SkyTrain, fills platform

Clement hits 3-run shot in Jays’ 5-1 win over Cubs

Trump to Meet Putin at U.S. Military Base in Anchorage

'Devastating end to an amazing love story': Popular B.C. YouTubers die in off-road accident

Anna Sorokin claims she’s received hundreds of death threats over bunnies abandoned in New York park

Vegas funeral home which smelled of ‘death’ shut down after failing to cremate bodies