On August 19, 2025, President Donald Trump criticized the Smithsonian Institution on Truth Social, calling it “OUT OF CONTROL” for its focus on slavery and negative aspects of American history, announcing a review to promote a more positive narrative.
This follows a White House letter dated August 12, 2025, ordering a 120-day review of eight Smithsonian museums to align exhibits with “American exceptionalism” and remove “divisive” content, echoing Trump’s earlier efforts like the 1776 Commission.
The move sparked backlash online, with critics accusing him of whitewashing history, while supporters praised it as promoting national pride, amid ongoing debates about how the U.S. should present its past ahead of its 250th anniversary in 2026.