President Trump wants to put America first in every way possible. He doesn’t care if he ruffles any feathers in the process.
And Trump must made a game-changing order that’s causing all hell to break loose.
With the United States nearing its 250th anniversary in 2026, the White House has launched an ambitious review of several Smithsonian museums to ensure they present the nation’s history in a way that inspires pride and unity. President Trump has called for a “comprehensive internal review” of exhibitions and materials at the institution to prepare it for showcasing America’s story as the milestone approaches.
A Vision for National Unity
In an August 12 letter to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, the administration emphasized the importance of this moment: “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.”
The initiative stems from Trump’s March executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which calls for a renewed focus on national pride and historical accuracy.
Examining Eight Key Museums
The review will start with eight of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, including the 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 Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. A second phase will cover additional museums.
The process will involve a detailed audit of exhibition texts, wall signage, educational materials, and social media content to assess their tone and alignment with American values. Curators and senior staff will be interviewed to shed light on how exhibitions are chosen and the “frameworks” guiding those decisions.
The administration will also examine current and planned exhibitions, especially those tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, to ensure they highlight “American exceptionalism” and steer clear of divisive narratives.
Museums are being asked to provide extensive documentation, including anniversary programming plans, internal guidelines, external partnerships, and “grant-related documentation.” The review will also explore how collections could be better used to celebrate American achievements, possibly by sharing them with other institutions.
Described as a collaborative effort, the initiative aims to empower curators to adopt a “revitalized curatorial vision” centered on the nation’s strengths and accomplishments.
“By focusing on Americanism—the people, principles, and progress that define our nation—we can work together to renew the Smithsonian’s role as the world’s leading museum institution,” the letter states.
In a statement to the New York Post, the Smithsonian responded to the White House with a commitment to “scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history,” noting it will review the request and work constructively with the White House, Congress, and its Board of Regents.
Addressing Recent Controversy
The announcement follows recent scrutiny over a National Museum of American History exhibit on presidential impeachments.
The Smithsonian clarified it independently removed a placard about Trump’s two impeachments due to issues with its “appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation,” not White House pressure, as reported by the Washington Post. The exhibit, covering all U.S. impeachment proceedings, is set to be restored soon.
The White House aims to complete its report by early 2026, offering assessments, trends, and “constructive recommendations” for future exhibitions.
As America prepares for its historic milestone, this review emphasizes a push by the Trump administration to redefine how the nation’s story is shared through its premier cultural institutions.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
