The RecordExhibit 41
Rewriting the Smithsonian
CriticizedLast checked Sep 30, 2026
Criticized means: Legal, or a policy choice, but widely condemned.
The White House ordered a review of Smithsonian exhibits and gave museums 120 days to change content it objects to in tone and historical framing.
What happened
Trump complained the museums dwell on how bad slavery was. A March executive order had put Vance in charge of removing 'improper ideology.' The Organization of American Historians said no president has legitimate authority to impose such a review.
Where it stands
No court ruling on the review itself.
The administration's side
The White House says it wants the museums to celebrate American exceptionalism and drop divisive, partisan narratives.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/smithsonian/