Trump’s Campaign to Overhaul Cultural Institutions

The White House has released a report criticizing the leadership of the Smithsonian Institution, especially at the National Museum of American History. It labels them as radical activists, suggesting President Donald Trump’s plan to replace them might be underway. The report issued by the White House Domestic Policy Council came forward on Independence Day, highlighting Trump’s initiative to change Washington’s essential cultural and historical institutions.

In March, Trump revealed his strategy targeting the Smithsonian Institution through an executive order. This order aimed to cut programs that promoted divisive narratives and improper ideology, aligning with Trump’s criticism of culture considered too liberal. The council’s report states, “The Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of American History, under its current leadership and interpretive ideology, cannot be trusted to tell America’s story honestly and in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic.” This report was authored by a former top Trump speechwriter. It suggests the museum’s mission, influenced by ideological capture, has shifted from historical education and scholarship to extreme political activism intending to transform the country.

There was no immediate response from the Smithsonian. The current secretary, Lonnie Bunch, is the first African American to lead the institution. In an unrelated interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Bunch expressed, “The notion of being a more perfect union, not the perfect union, is really what motivates me.” He emphasized the responsibility of making historical aspirations available and meaningful to diverse audiences. Historian Anthea M. Hartig is the first woman to direct the National Museum of American History.

Trump’s actions to change the Smithsonian align with his broader efforts to reshape cultural pillars such as universities and art institutions. He installed himself as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to reform programming, although the effort to add his name to the building was thwarted by a federal judge. Columbia University had to enact policy changes under threats of losing significant federal funding.

Trump’s actions extend beyond Washington. In Philadelphia, the administration won legal permission to reinstall interpretive panels deemed to whitewash the slavery history at President George Washington’s home site. Critics worry this version may obscure historical pain. Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa., accused Trump of trying to “rewrite history.” On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Shapiro stated, “There’s not one individual narrative that a president gets about our history. Any president should ensure full history is shared, allowing Americans to draw their own conclusions.” He added, “Understanding our origins can lead us to a better path forward.”

The Domestic Policy Council disagrees. Their report claims the National Museum of American History provides materials undermining faith in American institutions and common ideals. They emphasize a commitment to restoring truth and sanity in presenting and teaching American history.

The review sought to adhere to Trump’s order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” It concluded that the National Museum of American History, under current leadership, faces institutional capture by an ideology it considered radical and opposed to narrating America’s noble story.