USA Trump's History Rewrite: Smithsonian Faces White House Review

[webfact]

video screenshot

 

The White House has announced plans to undertake an extensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's exhibitions, materials, and operations. This is reportedly to align with US President Donald Trump's perspective on American history, in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary next year. A White House representative confirmed this to ABC News.

 

In a letter directed at Lonnie Bunch, the Smithsonian Institution's secretary, the White House stressed the need for museums to project "the unity, progress, and enduring values" of America. The move follows a March executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," aiming to remove divisive narratives and celebrate American exceptionalism.

 

The review is set to scrutinise public-facing content, like exhibition texts, websites, and social media. The goal is to ensure these materials align with American ideals better. It will also cover curatorial processes and current and future exhibitions, focusing on developing consistent guidelines that align with the Smithsonian’s mission.

 

Initially, eight museums will be under scrutiny: the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

 

In response, the Smithsonian Institution asserted its dedication to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and accurate historical presentation. They're committed to continuing constructive collaboration with the White House, Congress, and the Board of Regents.

 

At present, the review aims to reshape how American history is portrayed across the Smithsonian museums. As the developments unfold, the institutions will carefully consider how to balance narrative corrections with educational integrity. The looming question is how these historic repositories will integrate the President’s vision while maintaining their commitment to factual storytelling.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-08-14

 

[Jingthing]

That's what totalitarian regimes always do -- rewrite history to support their ideology.