Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, WHITE HOUSE NEWS—Smithsonian museums will now undergo ‘comprehensive internal review’ to ‘ensure alignment’ with President’s vision, (Aug 13, 2025)

By Brandi O. Brown, J.D.

“This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”

In a letter, the White House has informed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie G. Bunch III, that it “will be leading a comprehensive internal review of selected Smithsonian museums and exhibitions.” This review will include the following museums: National Museum of American History; National Museum of Natural History; National Museum of African American History and Culture; National Museum of the American Indian; National Air and Space Museum; Smithsonian American Art Museum; National Portrait Gallery; and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

“This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions,” the letter states. It will focus on public-facing content, the curatorial process, exhibition planning, collection use, and narrative standards.

Reviews, interviews, evaluations. This will involve, among other things, a “review of exhibition text, wall didactics, websites, educational materials, and digital and social media content to assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals,” interviews with curators and staff, review of exhibitions planned for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, evaluations of existing materials and collections with the possibility of sending materials to other institutions, and the “development of consistent curatorial guidelines that reflect the Smithsonian’s original mission.”

Timeline. Each of the listed museums is supposed to designate a primary point of contact and provide a list of identified materials within 30-, 75-, and 120-day time frames.

“We view this process as a collaborative and forward-looking opportunity—one that empowers museum staff to embrace a revitalized curatorial vision rooted in the strength, breadth, and achievements of the American story. By focusing on Americanism—the people, principles, and progress that define our nation—we can work together to renew the Smithsonian’s role as the world’s leading museum institution.”

The letter, sent by Lindsey Halligan (Special Assistant to the President and Senior Associate Staff Secretary), Vince Haley (Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council), and Russell Vought (Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Management and Budget) follows a “brief tour” given to them by Secretary Bunch, as well as Executive Order 14253.

News: WhiteHouseNews AgencyNews PublicEmployees