The Smithsonian Institution's federal funding is projected to fall below $1 billion in fiscal year 2026, a threshold not seen since fiscal year 2020, under budget proposals from the Trump administration. This comes after several years of increasing federal appropriations, particularly during the Biden administration.
The Smithsonian, which operates 21 museums, the National Zoo, and manages millions of objects and specimens, relies significantly on taxpayer funding. In recent years, this funding has exceeded $1 billion annually. The institution also receives private donations and grants, but federal appropriations remain a substantial portion of its budget.
Recent analyses of Smithsonian budget requests show annual federal appropriations climbing from $960 million in fiscal year 2019 to a high of $1.24 billion in fiscal year 2024. Following a request for over $1 billion for fiscal year 2025, the proposed budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 represent a shift, dropping below that mark.
Budget Allocation
The majority of the Smithsonian's federal funding is allocated to operational costs. For instance, out of a nearly $960 million federal budget request, approximately $524 million is designated for day-to-day operations, including staff, security, and facility maintenance. Another $310 million supports museum activities and research, with the remainder for building improvements and oversight.
Funding distribution varies among the Smithsonian's various museums and entities. For fiscal year 2026, the National Museum of Natural History is slated to receive the largest portion of requested funding at $51 million. The National Museum of the American Indian is next, with nearly $35 million, followed by the National Zoo at approximately $34 million, and the National Museum of American History at $27 million.
Scrutiny Over Content and Priorities
The institution's budget and its presentation of American history have become a focal point in broader political discussions. The Trump administration has previously initiated reviews and proposed budget reductions, citing concerns over the Smithsonian's priorities, including its emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the ideological balance of its exhibits.
In July 2026, a White House report accused the Smithsonian of promoting DEI and left-wing agendas. Specific exhibits, such as the America 250 exhibit, were criticized for featuring a disproportionate number of items highlighting liberal figures and causes over conservative ones. The Smithsonian also faced backlash for a training guide that linked concepts like objectivity and merit to "white dominant culture," for which the institution later apologized.
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III has stated that DEI "must be at the center" of museum institutions. During the period from 2020 through 2024, Bunch received over $4.4 million in salary and benefits.
The ongoing debate over the Smithsonian's budget and its content underscores its position as a significant cultural institution funded by taxpayers, shaping narratives about American history and identity.