Senators Request Smithsonian’s Independence Amidst White House Scrutiny
Amid escalating tensions over the portrayal of American history, several Democratic senators have appealed to the Smithsonian Institution, urging it to maintain its independence against potential White House influence. This follows President Trump’s critical remarks about the Smithsonian’s exhibitions.
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In a recent letter addressed to Lonnie G. Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian, Senators Alex Padilla, Catherine Cortez Masto, Gary Peters, and Jeffrey A. Merkley implored the institution to resist any pressure from the White House to alter its mission or values.
This appeal comes on the heels of President Trump’s declarations labeling the Smithsonian and similar cultural centers as the last bastions of “WOKE.” On Truth Social, he criticized the museums for allegedly emphasizing negative aspects of American history over achievements.
Furthermore, an unsigned White House memo criticized 22 Smithsonian exhibitions and programs, echoing the President’s disapproval. Some exhibitions mentioned have concluded, according to NPR’s findings.
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The senators highlighted the Smithsonian’s unique status as a public-private partnership under congressional oversight, not an executive agency. “The Institution was created by Congress to care for the bequest of James Smithson and to found ‘an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge,'” they reminded in their correspondence.
In response to the Trump administration’s intent to audit several Smithsonian exhibits for alignment with a narrative of American exceptionalism, the senators assured their commitment to securing federal funding for the institution.
The New York Times reported that Lonnie Bunch has initiated an internal review to determine the scope of information to share with the White House, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Smithsonian’s scholarly independence.
The senators’ letter underscored the necessity for the Smithsonian to conduct its review independently and keep Congress informed. They expect the institution to liaise with both the Board of Regents and Congress in responding to the White House’s inquiries.
This ongoing dialogue highlights the broader conversation about the role of cultural institutions in reflecting and shaping national identity amidst political scrutiny.
