A publication by Donald Trump on the social network Truth Socialon August 19, 2025, put pressure on the Smithsonian. In this message, the former president describes the institution as “Out of control” and associate it with “One of the last bastions of WOKE culture” in the United States.
In a letter addressed on August 12 to the secretary general of the Smithsonian Lonnie Bunch, the White House affirms its intention to lead an audit “In order to guarantee compliance with the president’s directive aimed at celebrating the American exception, eliminating divisive or partisan speeches and restoring confidence in our common cultural institutions”.
The pressure on the Smithsonian began in March 2025, when Trump multiplied attacks on cultural institutions. In order to align the Smithsonian about his political agenda and his restrictive vision of American history, he had the appointment of the institution’s board of directors adopted by decree. The government then opened an investigation targeting eight of the twenty-one museums in the Smithsonian network, including the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
The institutions concerned have been ordered to transmit a large set of documents: mediation supports (cartels, booklets, posters), past and future programming, inventory of works and interviews with conservatives on their museographic choices. The objective displayed by the administration is to assess the historical framing, the tone adopted and their compliance with the “American ideals”.
Founded in 1846 thanks to the legacy of British scientist James Smithson, the Smithsonian was placed under the tutelage of the federal state while having statutory autonomy. Led by a board of directors of 17 members, made up of government representatives and citizens, it has gone from a research center to a large museum and scientific network. Today it brings together 21 museums, 21 libraries and 14 research centers, making it one of the main cultural institutions in the world.
This independence vis-à-vis the State in principle prevents any government interference in the exhibitions or the scientific content of its activities. The measures initiated by the Trump administration thus constitute a direct intrusion into the governance of the Smithsonian.
Trump’s attitude contrasts with his speech held in 2017, during his visit to the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, where Donald Trump said he was impressed and had paid tribute to the American black heroes.
If the institution remains cautious and refrains from any public position, several professional associations have reacted. The American Museum Alliance (AAM) denounced “Increasing threats of censorship” targeting museums. According to her, these pressures compromise the scientific mission of the Smithsonian, infringe on freedom of expression and are likely to discourage other institutions. The government, which ensures acting “For the good of museums”was accused of contradiction by associations, which recall massive layoffs and recent budget cuts.
These tensions are part of a wider cultural offensive led by Donald Trump. Since its return to power, its administration has removed several federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). More recently, she froze several billion dollars in subsidies for universities. These decisions have already led to the closure of museums and libraries, as well as the suspension of many research programs.
