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White House launching review of Smithsonian museums to "ensure alignment" with Trump's plans
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-review-smithsonian-museums-trump/


August 12, 2025 / 6:00 PM EDT / CBS News

The White House is launching an internal review of some of the Smithsonian Institution's best-known museums, seeking to "celebrate American exceptionalism" and remove what it views as "divisive or ideologically driven language."

The review was announced in a letter Tuesday to Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Lonnie Bunch, signed by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought and two other White House aides. It comes after President Trump signed an executive order in March pushing for changes at the Smithsonian, including the removal of "improper ideology."

The review is timed with next year's celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the letter said.

"This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions," the White House's letter read.

The administration's review will initially focus on eight museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture — which was highlighted in Mr. Trump's executive order for allegedly featuring "divisive, race-centered ideology" — as well as the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of American History and the National Portrait Gallery, among others. Additionalf museums will be reviewed in a future phase......................................