The Smithsonian Institution has recently complied with a request from the Trump administration to hand over documents, wall texts, and other materials as part of a targeted inquiry into the museum system. This move comes after the administration’s threat to withhold congressional appropriations unless the institution made “content corrections” to promote “American exceptionalism” in its exhibits.
Lonnie G. Bunch, the head of the Smithsonian, notified staff via an internal email that the institution had submitted the requested information to the White House. This included digital photographs of labels, placards, and other text on display in several galleries. The Trump administration first requested these materials in August, with a focus on the Smithsonian’s curatorial processes and programming for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
In a statement to Hyperallergic, Office of the Management and Budget (OMB) General Counsel Mark Paoletta confirmed that they had received the documents and were currently under review. The White House had previously warned the Smithsonian that any funds approved by Congress would only be accessible if the institution complied with their review and corrections.
This cooperation with the Trump administration has raised concerns among historians about possible alterations to Smithsonian exhibits and content at National Park Service sites. The National Portrait Gallery, for example, recently replaced a photograph of Trump and removed a wall text referencing his impeachments and the January 6 insurrection.
Despite these changes, the Smithsonian remains committed to transparency and open dialogue with government stakeholders. As a public service institution, they will continue to engage with the White House and Congress on these matters.
Overall, the Smithsonian’s compliance with the Trump administration’s request marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over the role of museums in promoting national narratives and historical interpretations. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the institution’s programming and exhibits in the future.
