The Trump administration has concluded an extensive review of the Smithsonian Institution, culminating in a comprehensive report alleging that the National Museum of American History has been "ideologically captured." The White House asserts that the museum's exhibits increasingly prioritize "divisive" narratives, such as decolonization, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and social justice, while downplaying what the administration views as patriotic themes and the nation's founding principles.
This initiative, launched in March 2025 with an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," aims to reshape how federally funded cultural institutions present American history. The order directed the administration to review exhibits and programs, emphasizing a more patriotic portrayal of the nation's past.
Over 16 months, the White House conducted a thorough investigation, examining museum exhibits, educational programming, internal records, and leadership statements. This process included document requests, interviews with curators, and on-site museum walkthroughs. Officials documented examples they argue favor ideological narratives over a patriotic telling of American history.
The White House formally notified Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch in August 2025, requesting specific exhibition plans, educational materials, and internal policies. The review focused on eight Smithsonian museums, with the aim of ensuring exhibits "celebrate American exceptionalism" and remove perceived divisive content. Museums were instructed to begin revising public-facing content within 120 days.
Criticism mounted in late 2025, with the White House noting the absence of special Independence Day programming and the discontinuation of traditional Flag Day ceremonies. The administration also expressed concern that exhibits planned for the nation's 250th anniversary insufficiently highlighted the Founders, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution, while emphasizing perceived flaws of the United States.
By December 2025, the White House reported a lack of cooperation from the Smithsonian, stating that most requested records had not been provided. A deadline was set for January 13, 2026, for document production, with a reminder that federal funding must align with the administration's executive order.
Early 2026 saw White House investigators conduct on-site reviews and interviews. Their findings reiterated concerns that exhibits focused on restorative history, decolonization, and social justice at the expense of America's founding principles and national achievements.
In May 2026, the White House criticized the Smithsonian's flagship America 250 exhibition. The administration argued that the exhibit, which includes artifacts like Thomas Jefferson's writing desk and George Washington's uniform, repackaged existing displays and failed to adequately celebrate the nation's founding figures and the American Revolution, particularly in promotional materials and programming.
The culmination of this review was the July 2026 release of the 162-page "Saving America's Story" report. It concluded that the National Museum of American History had "ideological capture" and recommended removing political activism from exhibits, advocating for a restoration of displays emphasizing founding principles and patriotic history. The report specifically focused on how the museum classified and portrayed illegal migration.
Following the report's release, President Trump signed a new executive order on July 24, 2026, directing federal agencies, including the Interior Department and the Office of Management and Budget, to use their authorities to encourage the Smithsonian to address the report's findings. The order also mandated the National Park Service to install temporary signs outside the National Museum of American History detailing the administration's concerns and directing visitors to the report.
The administration stated its goal is to restore a more patriotic presentation of American history. The Smithsonian, meanwhile, maintains its mission is to preserve and present the nation's history through scholarship, research, and public education, setting the stage for ongoing debate over historical interpretation. The Smithsonian did not immediately respond to requests for comment.