White House Demands Thorough Review of Smithsonian Museums so All Exhibits Match Trump’s Interpretation of U.S. History

White House Requests Smithsonian Museums to Align with Trump’s Historiography

The White House has made a recent demand for the Smithsonian museums to adjust their exhibits to match President Trump’s version of U.S. history. The executive order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” issued by Trump on March 27, specifically targets the Smithsonian museums, directing them to ensure their displays are in sync with the president’s vision.

In response to the directive, eight Smithsonian museums have been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of their exhibitions, internal communications, featured artists, and more. The aim is to replace any content deemed “divisive or ideologically driven” with information that is “unifying and historically accurate.” This move comes as the nation prepares for its 250th birthday celebrations in Washington next year.

The White House’s letter to the Smithsonian outlines specific steps for achieving this alignment with Trump’s view. The museums are expected to document their review process extensively within 30 days and subsequently make the necessary updates to their exhibits. White House senior associate Lindsay Halligan emphasised the importance of this endeavour in preserving trust in the institution, ensuring that it continues to serve as a place of learning, wonder, and national pride for generations to come.

Despite the administration’s directive, the Smithsonian has maintained a diplomatic stance, expressing its commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate presentation of history. The institution has indicated its willingness to collaborate with the White House, Congress, and its governing Board of Regents as it reviews the directive and moves forward with any required changes.

Historians and experts have raised concerns about the implications of this directive on the Smithsonian’s ability to offer a comprehensive exploration of U.S. history. Some fear that by aligning the exhibits solely with one individual’s view or administration’s perspective, the richness and complexity of historical narratives may be compromised. The Smithsonian museums have historically reflected diverse perspectives and scholarly input, ensuring a multifaceted understanding of the American past.

The White House’s efforts to influence the presentation of history at the Smithsonian have stirred controversy in recent months. In July, changes were made to an exhibit at the National Museum of American History, specifically regarding a section dedicated to U.S. presidents who faced impeachment. The removal of a label referencing Trump’s impeachments sparked discussions about the integrity of historical narratives and the influence of political agendas on museum displays.

As the debate continues, the Smithsonian faces the challenge of balancing historical accuracy and academic integrity with external pressures to conform to specific historical interpretations. The outcome of this directive and its impact on the Smithsonian’s reputation as a trusted source of knowledge and cultural heritage remains to be seen.