The White House has mandated a comprehensive internal review of eight Smithsonian museums, requiring them to submit documentation on current and upcoming exhibitions to assess for 'improper ideology.' This review, tied to the institution's federal funding, is part of a broader effort related to Executive Order 14253, focusing on American history. The Smithsonian, which has previously submitted some documentation, declined to comment on the matter.
A Smithsonian Institution sign on the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. in March 2025. The museum is one of eight Smithsonian organizations which the White House stipulated must conduct an"comprehensive internal review" for"improper ideology.
" The White House says the Smithsonian Institution must submit materials about current and upcoming exhibitions and events for a review that will determine whether they express"improper ideology.", the White House says Tuesday is the deadline for eight Smithsonian Institution museums to submit documentation about current and upcoming exhibitions and programs. The letter says that federal funds for the Smithsonian's $1 billion budget depends on the institution fulfilling the terms of anThe stakes for this deadline are potentially enormous. The letter, sent by the White House on Dec. 18 to the Smithsonian Institution's secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, says,"As you may know, funds apportioned for the Smithsonian Institution are only available for use in a matter consistent with Executive Order 14253, 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,' and the fulfillment of the requests set forth in ourof the Smithsonian museums. The first eight museums to be reviewed include the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian.in U.S. history and what the White House has called"ongoing staffing transitions at the Smithsonian." Initial correspondence between the White House and the Smithsonian had been signed by White House aides Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley and Russell Vought. Halligan's attention was largely elsewhere for months after she was appointed by Trump to beThe Smithsonian submitted some documents in September, but the White House says it hasn't provided any other documentation since then. The Smithsonian declined to comment to NPR The December letter further states:"We write this follow up letter with particular urgency and concern that the museums of the Smithsonian Institution be well positioned to play an important role during the historic yearlong celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday that is fast approaching. We wish to be assured that none of the leadership of the Smithsonian museums is confused about the fact that the United States has been among the greatest forces for good in the history of the world. The American people will have no patience for any museum that is diffident about America's founding or otherwise uncomfortable conveying a positive view of American history, one which is justifiably proud of our country's accomplishments and record.", all of its museums and research centers are meant to be run independently of the federal government. The Smithsonian is overseen by Secretary Bunch, with oversight provided by a board of regents, which includes the vice president, the chief justice and other members appointed by Congress.Anastasia Tsioulcas is a correspondent on NPR's Culture desk. She is intensely interested in the arts at the intersection of culture, politics, economics and identity, and primarily reports on music. Recently, she has extensively covered gender issues and #MeToo in the music industry, including the trial and conviction of former R&B superstar R. Kelly; backstage tumult and alleged secret deals in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against megastar singer Plácido Domingo; and gender inequity issues at the Grammy Awards.Nationwide anti-ICE protests call for accountability after Renee Good's death KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.
Smithsonian Institution White House Ideology Review Museums Federal Funding
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado to visit White House on ThursdayVenezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Thursday.
Read more »
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado to visit White House on ThursdayVenezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Thursday.
Read more »
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado to visit White House on ThursdayVenezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Thursday.
Read more »
Smithsonian faces Tuesday deadline amid White House demand for reviewThe White House requested a review of the institution’s exhibits and programs.
Read more »
Monica Lewinsky says Bill Clinton 'escaped a lot more than I did' after White House scandalFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Today is the Smithsonian's deadline to give thousands of documents to the White HouseThe White House says the Smithsonian Institution must submit materials about current and upcoming exhibitions and events for a review that will determine whether they express 'improper ideology.'
Read more »