Federal Oversight and the ‘American Greatness’ Mandate
In August 2025, the administration notified Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III that it would conduct a sweeping assessment of exhibitions across eight of the institution’s museums. The review scrutinized wall text, digital content, and social media presence for alignment with the administration’s interpretation of American ideals. Museums were given a 120-day window to implement requested adjustments.
Institutional Response and Personnel Shifts
The Smithsonian has maintained that it retains ultimate authority over its programming and internal content.
In May 2025, the director of the National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet, resigned from her position. This followed a public announcement from the White House that the president had fired her, labeling her as "highly partisan." While the Smithsonian initially stated that it maintained control over its own personnel matters, Ms. Sajet ultimately stepped down, stating that her departure was in the best interest of the institution.
Earlier that year, in January 2025, the Smithsonian shuttered its Office of Diversity following an executive order from the president that categorized previous diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as "illegal and immoral discrimination." Secretary Bunch described the closure as a “first step” to comply with the new federal policy.
Disputed Exhibits and Historical Framing
The tension between the White House and the Smithsonian has centered on specific displays that the administration claims distort the nation’s history. A list published by the White House in August 2025 identified approximately two dozen items, programs, and artworks deemed problematic, including:
- Educational Materials: A series at the National Museum of African American History and Culture focused on the study of whiteness and white culture.
- Contemporary Art: A drawing depicting migrants observing Independence Day fireworks through a section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
- Symbolic Representations: A papier-mâché Statue of Liberty holding a basket of tomatoes.
By July 2026, the administration intensified its criticism, releasing a 162-page report on the nation’s 250th anniversary. The report alleged that the National Museum of American History had shifted its mission toward "extreme political activism" and accused the institution of harboring an "anti-white bias."
Timeline of Key Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | Smithsonian closes its Office of Diversity following federal policy changes. |
| March 2025 | Executive Order "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" is issued. |
| May 2025 | National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet resigns amid White House pressure. |
| July 2025 | The National Museum of American History removes a label referencing Trump’s impeachments. |
| August 2025 | White House initiates a review of exhibitions at eight Smithsonian museums. |
| July 2026 | White House releases a report condemning the National Museum of American History. |
Moving Forward: Transparency and Documentation
The administration has repeatedly admonished the Smithsonian for the pace at which it has provided requested documents. In December 2025, a letter from the White House signaled dissatisfaction with the institution’s compliance regarding internal records.
In response, Secretary Bunch stated in January 2026 that the institution had submitted additional materials, including digital photographs of placards and labels, to demonstrate transparency. As of mid-2026, the Smithsonian continues to manage the balance between its historical mandate and the ongoing federal requirements for content review.