The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of eight museums under the Smithsonian umbrella, including the National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History.
They want to ensure that the museums' presentation is "patriotic, unifying and historically correct". The measure is a preparation for the US 250th anniversary in 2026 and is based on the president's previous order to remove "divisive or anti-American ideology".
In a letter to Smithsonian chief Lonnie Bunch, the White House writes that exhibition texts, digital material and internal processes will be reviewed and changed if necessary within 120 days. The letter, signed by high-ranking officials, demands that the museums promote "American exceptionalism" and "national pride".
The review begins with eight of the most visited museums, but more may be added.
