After Harvard, Trump Targets Smithsonian in Latest Attack on Museums

"Smithsonian Is Out of Control... The Last Bastion of 'WOKE'"

The Donald Trump administration, which is engaged in a culture war against "political wokeness (WOKE·progressive agenda)," has now targeted the Smithsonian Institution-which operates national museums and art galleries-following its attacks on major prestigious universities.

On August 19 (local time), President Trump announced on his social networking service, Truth Social, "I have instructed lawyers to review the Smithsonian museums and to begin the same procedures that led to tremendous progress at universities."

Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Reuters Yonhap News

He asserted, "The Smithsonian is out of control. All they talk about is how terrible our country is, how bad slavery was, and how much oppressed people failed to achieve," adding, "There is no discussion of success, brightness, or the future." In other words, Trump claims that the Smithsonian spreads narratives that undermine America rather than celebrating its achievements.

Previously, in March, President Trump issued an executive order calling for the celebration of "American exceptionalism" and the removal of divisive or partisan narratives. On August 12, the White House sent a letter to the Smithsonian Institution, demanding documentation on the grounds that exhibitions at its affiliated institutions were politically biased. The requested materials included exhibition texts, educational resources, and exhibition plans. Foreign media outlets noted that this amounted to a comprehensive review.

The review targets include the National Museum of American History (NMAH), the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), the National Portrait Gallery (NPG), and the Hirshhorn Museum, among others. Notably, the National Museum of American History was embroiled in controversy last month after it removed, then restored, placards explaining President Trump’s two impeachments, reportedly due to pressure from the White House.

The attack on the Smithsonian appears to be part of the Trump administration’s broader "culture war" against progressives. Previously, President Trump filed massive lawsuits and cut funding to elite universities such as Harvard and Columbia, citing efforts to combat antisemitism and eliminate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, thereby pressuring these institutions. Immediately after taking office, he dismissed the existing board of the Kennedy Center, replaced them with his own associates, and appointed himself as the chairman of the board.

Given that he instructed lawyers to follow the same procedures as with universities, it seems likely that the administration will challenge the perceived bias of the exhibitions through lawsuits or by targeting federal funding. Online media outlet Axios pointed out that, although the Smithsonian Institution is not a federal agency, more than half of its budget comes from federal funds.

President Trump has consistently criticized the DEI policies of the previous Joe Biden administration and the progressive camp, denouncing their "WOKE" culture.

On social media that day, he stated, "The museums across Washington and the country are virtually the last remaining bastion of 'WOKE'," adding, "This country cannot be 'WOKE.' 'WOKE' has failed." He also said, "We have the hottest country in the world, and we want people, including those in museums, to talk about it."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.