[VT Washington, D.C. | August 23, 2025] The White House has announced a broad review of exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution, focusing on displays that officials have criticized as promoting “woke” or “divisive” narratives. Among the exhibits under scrutiny is the climate change display at the National Museum of Natural History.
White House Actions
In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, directing federal cultural institutions to address what the administration described as “anti-American or divisive ideologies.” Vice President J.D. Vance, who also serves as a member of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, was authorized to lead the effort.
On August 12, the White House sent a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, formally announcing a “comprehensive internal review” of exhibition content, digital materials, and educational texts. The letter stated that the review’s goal is to ensure Smithsonian programming “reflects unity, progress, and enduring values” and avoids “partisan or divisive narratives.” While stressing that the review is intended to be “constructive and collaborative,” the White House said revisions could be required within 120 days.
Scope of the Review
The first phase covers eight major museums:
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National Air and Space Museum
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Exhibits Cited as “Woke”
In a White House article titled President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian, officials highlighted several exhibits they consider emblematic of “woke” or “divisive” narratives, including:
- Discussions of “white dominant culture” and ideas from scholar Ibram X. Kendi at the NMAAHC.
- The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag displayed at the National Museum of American History.
- A painting at the National Portrait Gallery depicting undocumented immigrants crossing the southern border.
- An art piece portraying the Statue of Liberty holding a tomato.
- A controversial display on Benjamin Franklin’s relationship to slavery.
- Exhibits addressing LGBTQ+ history and debates over transgender athletes in women’s sports.
- Interpretations of the Mexican-American War.
According to the White House, these displays “distort history and erode public trust” by emphasizing negative or partisan themes rather than celebrating American achievements.
Responses
The Smithsonian Institution has stated that its mission is to present diverse perspectives and foster public understanding through research and exhibitions. It pledged to communicate with the administration while maintaining professional and academic independence.
Reaction from scholars and cultural leaders has been mixed. Critics argue that the review risks politicizing historical and scientific interpretation, while supporters contend that publicly funded institutions should avoid overtly partisan or ideological messaging.
Media Coverage
The Washington Post reported that the review targets exhibits dealing with race, slavery, immigration, and transgender identity, identifying seven museums and several art projects in particular. Axios noted that the White House accused the Smithsonian of “embracing woke ideology” in ways that “distort history and undermine trust.” The Guardian described the review as part of the Trump administration’s broader cultural agenda.
Outlook
The review is still in its early stages, and it remains unclear whether — and to what extent — specific exhibitions will be revised. Outcomes are expected to become clearer in the coming months as the Smithsonian responds to White House directives.
