U.S. President Donald Trump hinted on Tuesday that he would exert pressure on the Smithsonian Institution, a renowned establishment dedicated to American history and culture, to comply with his requests, similar to his approach with universities and colleges by leveraging the threat of reducing federal funding.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “I have directed my legal team to initiate a similar process with the Museums as has been successfully implemented with Colleges and Universities.” The Smithsonian, founded in 1846 and comprising 21 museums, galleries, and the National Zoo, did not provide an immediate response to requests for comments. The majority of its facilities are located in Washington, D.C.
When questioned about potential funding cuts to the Smithsonian based on investigation outcomes, a White House official commented, “President Trump is prepared to explore all options to eliminate ‘Woke’ ideologies from the Smithsonian and ensure accountability.”
Last week, the White House announced an internal review of selected Smithsonian museums following Trump’s earlier claims this year of the institution propagating “anti-American ideologies,” sparking concern among civil rights advocates.
Trump expressed on Truth Social, “The Smithsonian is running rampant, focusing solely on negativity towards our nation, the historical challenges of slavery, and the perceived lack of achievements among the underprivileged — neglecting discussions on success, positivity, and the future.”
While the Smithsonian primarily relies on funding from the U.S. Congress, it operates independently regarding decision-making processes. Critics argue that Trump’s administration is eroding decades of societal advancements, particularly regarding the recognition of critical junctures in American history.