President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to reshape the Smithsonian Institution, accusing it of promoting "woke" ideology over patriotic American history. The Smithsonian, which manages 21 museums, the National Zoo, and nearly 157 million objects, receives over $1 billion annually in federal funding.

Over the past 16 months, the Trump administration conducted an extensive review of the Smithsonian, examining museum exhibits, educational programs, internal records, and leadership statements. This investigation included multiple document requests, curator interviews, and on-site walkthroughs.

The review culminated in a 162-page White House report recommending sweeping reforms. The administration criticized the Smithsonian for not holding special Independence Day programming in 2025 despite being open on July 4, discontinuing traditional Flag Day ceremonies, and planning 250th anniversary exhibits that, according to the administration, emphasize the flaws of the United States while insufficiently highlighting the Founders, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution.

Following the report's release on August 3, 2026, Trump signed the "Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution" executive order. This order directs the Interior Department, Office of Management and Budget, General Services Administrator, and the White House Domestic Policy Council to use their authorities to encourage the Smithsonian to address the report's findings.

The campaign has sparked political debate, with GOP lawmakers demanding answers after the Smithsonian's chief urged moving beyond an "America First mentality."

Sources