Washington, D.C. – August 12, 2025 — The White House has ordered the Smithsonian Institution to undergo a broad internal review of its exhibitions, educational materials, and curatorial practices to ensure alignment with what it calls “American exceptionalism” and “shared national values.”
In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, senior administration officials said the review—mandated under Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History—seeks to “remove divisive or partisan narratives” and ensure museums “reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story.”
The first phase will cover eight flagship museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian. A second phase will expand the review to other Smithsonian facilities.
Timeline for compliance:
Within 30 days: Submit “America 250” anniversary programming plans, current exhibition content, and internal curatorial guidelines.
Within 75 days: Provide additional documents, including educational materials, grant agreements, and partnership details; participate in voluntary curator interviews.
Within 120 days: Begin “content corrections,” replacing “divisive or ideologically driven language” with “historically accurate and constructive” descriptions.
The review will also examine public-facing content, curatorial decision-making, collection use, and establish new “narrative standards” for future exhibitions.
White House aides Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley, and Russell Vought signed the letter, describing the effort as “a collaborative and forward-looking opportunity” to reaffirm the Smithsonian’s place as “the world’s leading museum institution.”
The administration expects to complete the review and issue a final report in early 2026—just months before the scheduled February 2026 national elections.
