Following a promise by the Trump administration to enforce ‘content corrections’ for Smithsonian exhibits to align with its vision of ‘American exceptionalism’ within the museum network, the Smithsonian Institution has adhered to the President’s directive to provide documentation. An internal email from Lonnie G. Bunch, reviewed by Hyperallergic, informed Smithsonian employees of the compliance, which followed a December threat from the administration to withhold congressional funding unless the request was met. ‘Today we transmitted more information in response to that request, which included digital photographs of labels, placards, and other text on public display in several galleries,’ Bunch communicated in the email dated January 13.
The Trump administration initially made the request for materials, including insights into the Smithsonian’s curatorial practices and programming for the United States’ 250th anniversary, last August. The White House, in an executive order issued in March, accused the institution of prioritizing ‘race-centered ideology’ and highlighted an exhibition addressing racism in sculpture. Correspondence from the White House stated that the review aimed to emphasize ‘American exceptionalism’ and eliminate ‘divisive or partisan narratives’. In September, the Smithsonian transferred a portion of the requested materials, though this was not publicly announced at the time.
In a recent letter, the White House requested digital copies of ‘all wall didactics’, personal details about curatorial staff, and information on all planned exhibitions through 2029. Mark Paoletta, General Counsel for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), confirmed today that additional documents have been received from the Smithsonian and are under review. A bill proposing $1.08 billion for the Smithsonian Institution passed a House vote last week, yet the White House indicated in December that any congressional allocations would be contingent upon the institution’s cooperation with the administration’s review and forthcoming amendments.
The Smithsonian’s compliance follows changes at the National Portrait Gallery, where a photograph of Trump was replaced, and references to his impeachments and the January 6 insurrection were removed, while mentions of Clinton’s impeachment remained. The updated placard now only reflects Trump’s years in office, as reported by the Washington Post. Historians have expressed concerns over potential changes to exhibits at Smithsonian museums and National Park Service sites under Trump’s directives.
Citizen Historians, led by Chandra Manning, Jim Millward, and Jessica Dickinson Goodman, have been sending volunteers to document Smithsonian exhibits and wall texts over the past months. In his communication to staff, Bunch emphasized the institution’s commitment to transparency and engagement with the White House, Congress, and government stakeholders. ‘As a public service institution, we are committed to being transparent and open,’ Bunch stated.
