Trump Orders Smithsonian Review Over Slavery Exhibits Focus

President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping review of the Smithsonian Institution's museums, accusing them of promoting 'woke' and divisive narratives that focus excessively on slavery and America's shortcomings rather than its successes and future. He described the Smithsonian as 'out of control' and ordered his attorneys to scrutinize the museum's content to ensure it aligns with his vision of American exceptionalism. The White House formalized this directive in a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, demanding detailed documents on exhibition planning and curatorial decisions, with an emphasis on removing partisan narratives ahead of the U.S.'s 250th anniversary in 2026. Vice President JD Vance and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are leading the review, which will initially focus on major Smithsonian museums including the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Critics accuse the administration of attempting to whitewash history, pointing to previous removals of politically sensitive content, such as references to Trump's impeachments, as evidence of censorship. The administration insists this effort aims to celebrate unity, progress, and enduring American values, rejecting what it calls the 'woke' approach currently dominating cultural institutions.