White House Renews Threats to Smithsonian Institution

White House Renews Threats to Smithsonian Institution

In a new letter, the Trump White House has reignited its threat to pull funding from the Smithsonian Institution amid a probe of the federally funded organization's programming, budgets, and forthcoming commemorations for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Dated December 18, the letter addressed to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III underscored that the institution has yet to provide the majority of the documents …

White House Intensifies Funding Threats Against Smithsonian

The Trump administration, which this past August announced that it would review current and forthcoming Smithsonian exhibitions “to assess tone, historical framing and alignment with American ideals,” has reiterated its threat to pull funding if the Smithsonian does not comply. Although the Smithsonian provided the White House with documentation in September, Domestic Policy Council director […]

AAM Statement Regarding the December 18 White House Letter to the Smithsonian Institution

The American Alliance of Museums is aware of the White House’s December 18, 2025 letter to the Smithsonian Institution. We support the Smithsonian Institution’s continued thoughtful engagement with this request, guided by the governance role of its leadership and Board of Regents. As the world’s largest museum and research complex, any comprehensive gathering of detailed information will require significant time. We have confidence in the Smiths…

The White House Is Still Trying To Threaten The Smithsonian’s Funds

The Trump administration threatened “to withhold federal funds if it does not submit extensive documentation for a sweeping content review. … It was not immediately clear how much money the White House might try to withhold, from which parts of the Smithsonian or on what authority.” – Washington Post (MSN)