In recent social media posts, former President Donald Trump has called on 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 nation's first president. Trump requested the exhibit run from the present through February 22, 2032, marking the 300th anniversary of Washington's birth.
For Constitution Day on September 17, Trump specifically asked the museum to display an 11-foot statue of Washington, which was featured at a recent IndyCar race, in the museum's Flag Hall. He also proposed a 30-foot statue of Washington to replace the current "Infinity" sculpture by artist Jose de Rivera, which was installed in 1967.
"He is easily America’s Greatest Hero. Without him, our Country and our Freedoms wouldn’t exist," Trump stated on Truth Social. He also expressed concern that the museum currently does not adequately highlight Washington's crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War.
Trump suggested that instead of a Center for Restorative History, which focused on previously excluded narratives, the museum should feature a "Center for American Heroes."
It remains unclear if Trump possesses the authority to compel the Smithsonian to implement these changes. The Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch, with its leadership overseen by a Board of Regents that includes Vice President JD Vance, Chief Justice John Roberts, bipartisan lawmakers, and citizen members.
In March, Trump indicated his intention to influence the Smithsonian through an executive order aimed at defunding programs he deemed to promote "divisive narratives" and "improper ideology." The White House had previously released a report criticizing the institution for not sufficiently highlighting figures like Washington and other founders.
In July, Trump directed his administration to place signs in front of the U.S. history museum indicating that some exhibits might be inaccurate, part of his broader efforts to reframe the narrative of American history. Lonnie Bunch, the top leader of the Smithsonian, announced this week that he would be stepping down at the end of the year.
Statues have been a recurring theme in Trump's initiatives to reshape Washington D.C. He has previously proposed creating a park along the Potomac River to house statues of 250 prominent Americans and has installed a statue of Washington in his remodeled Rose Garden patio.