Conducting an Audit of the Smithsonian Institution Exhibitions

• The audit covers 19 museums of the Smithsonian Institution.
• The goal is to utilize divisive narratives and restore trust.
• The audit is part of the preparation for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the USA.

The administration of Trump has initiated an audit of the exhibitions, materials, and activities of the Smithsonian Institution to ensure they align with the president's views on history. This initiative is connected to the preparations for the 250th anniversary of the USA in 2026.

In a letter to Lonnie Bunch, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the administration noted that the audit would cover exhibitions, online content, internal processes of curators, exhibition planning, collection utilization, and grants for artists.

This initiative aims to incorporate "divisive" or "ideologically biased" narratives, as well as restore trust in cultural institutions. In particular, the administration is aiming for the museums to reflect "unity, progress, and eternal values that define American history."

The audit began after the museum removed, in September, part of an exhibition related to Trump's impeachment. Officials from the Smithsonian Institution stated that no changes had been requested by the administration.

Among the museums that are subject to the audit are the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The Trump administration also oversees other cultural institutions, such as the John F. Kennedy Center, where Trump was appointed chairman.

Tags: USA/Politics/Culture