Smithsonian museums are required to depict the United States in a "fair" way, showcasing both the positive and negative aspects of American history, as stated by the President.Donald Trump.
Trump spoke following the White Housesent a message to the SmithsonianOn Tuesday, plans were announced to carry out an evaluation of its museums and displays in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
We desire that museums handle our nation with fairness," Trump said to reporters on Thursday. "We want their museums to discuss the history of our country in a balanced way, not in a progressive or racist way, which many of them, though not all, are currently doing.
Our museums are duty-bound to depict the events that have taken place in our nation throughout the years. Both the positive and the negative," Trump stated. "But in an accurate manner.
The Smithsonian informed Fox News Digital that it is examining the letter from the Trump administration and plans to collaborate with the White House, Congress, and its Board of Regents in the future.
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"The Smithsonian's efforts are based on a strong dedication to academic excellence, thorough research, and the truthful, factual depiction of history," the Smithsonian stated in a release.
Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, commented on the issue earlier on Thursday, claiming that left-wing activists had "shamefully damaged" the museum.
The Smithsonian is meant to represent a worldwide emblem of American power, culture, and honor,Miller shared on X on ThursdayA location for families and children to honor American history and excellence. Instead, the displays have evidently been controlled by left-leaning activists who have utilized the Smithsonian as another means to continually criticize America and alter or erase our impressive narrative.
These activists have grossly damaged this cherished institution," Miller said. "The Trump Administration will enthusiastically and thoroughly restore the patriotic honor of America and make sure the Smithsonian is a place that once again sparks love and dedication for this country, particularly among our youngest people.
The White House's first letter to the Smithsonian on Tuesday stated that the review would examine social media content, exhibition descriptions, and educational resources. The purpose, according to the letter, was to "evaluate tone, historical presentation, and consistency with American values."
"The initiative seeks to align with the President's guidance to honor American exceptionalism, eliminate divisive or politically charged stories, and rebuild trust in our common cultural institutions," the letter stated.
The evaluation will concentrate on the following institutions: the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
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Trump has previously taken actions to influence the content displayed in the Smithsonian museums and issued an executive order in March that assigned the Vice President.JD Vanceresponsible for supervising the removal of programs or exhibits that "undermine common American values, create divisions among Americans by race, or support initiatives or ideologies that conflict with federal law and policy."
Vance has already begun to create changes at the Smithsonian.
Artist Amy Sherald canceled an exhibition set to debut at the Smithsonian in September, which included a portrait of a transgender Statue of Liberty at the National Portrait Gallery, following Vance's assertion that the show contained progressive and controversial material.Fox News Digital initially reported.
The Associated Press assisted in preparing this report.
Original article source: American history will not be presented in a "woke" way at the Smithsonian, Trump states.