Former President Donald Trump has called for the Smithsonian Institution to install a colossal statue of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History and to create a special exhibit honoring the first U.S. president. Trump made the remarks on social media, requesting an exhibit that would run through February 2032, marking the 300th anniversary of Washington's birth.
Specifically, Trump asked the institution to place an 11-foot statue of Washington, which was featured at a recent IndyCar race, in the museum's Flag Hall on Constitution Day, September 17. He also proposed a 30-foot statue to replace the existing "Infinity" sculpture by Jose de Rivera, installed in 1967.
Trump, who was en route to his golf course in Ireland when he made the posts, stated on Truth Social that Washington is "easily America’s Greatest Hero." He expressed concern that the museum does not currently highlight Washington's role in the Revolutionary War, including the crossing of the Delaware River.
He suggested that the museum should feature a "Center for American Heroes" instead of a "Center for Restorative History," an initiative that aimed to spotlight overlooked historical narratives. Trump has previously signaled his intent to influence the Smithsonian, expressing dissatisfaction with what he characterized as "divisive narratives" and "improper ideology" in some exhibits. In March, he indicated plans to use an executive order to address these concerns regarding funding for such programs.
The White House released a report this year that criticized the institution for not sufficiently highlighting Washington and other Founding Fathers. In July, Trump directed his administration to place signs in front of the U.S. history museum to inform visitors that certain exhibits may contain inaccuracies, as part of his broader effort to reframe the narrative of American history.
Statues have been a recurring theme in Trump's initiatives to reshape public spaces. He has also proposed a park along the Potomac River to display statues of prominent Americans and has previously installed a statue of Washington at his remodeled Rose Garden patio.