Trump intensifies pressure on the Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 1, 2025.
Reuters

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he plans to pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a leading museum and research complex on American history and culture, to comply with his demands, similar to his approach with colleges and universities by threatening to withhold federal funding.

"The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future," Trump said.

The Smithsonian, established in 1846 and comprising 21 museums, galleries, and the National Zoo, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Last week, the White House said it would conduct an internal review of some Smithsonian museums after Trump accused them earlier this year of promoting “anti-American ideology.”

The Smithsonian is largely funded by Congress but operates independently.

Critics argue that Trump’s approach undermines civil rights progress and the acknowledgment of critical phases of American history.

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