WASHINGTON — The White House said Tuesday it has begun an internal review of selected Smithsonian Institution museums and exhibitions to ensure they reflect President Donald Trump’s directive to “celebrate American exceptionalism” ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday next year. In a letter dated Aug. 12 to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, senior aide Lindsey Halligan, Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought ordered eight museums — including the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture — to turn over catalogues of current and planned shows, budgets and curatorial guidelines within 30 days. On-site visits and staff interviews will follow. Within 120 days, the museums are expected to start replacing what the letter calls “divisive or ideologically driven language” with “unifying, historically accurate and constructive descriptions.” The move implements Trump’s March 27 executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which accused the Smithsonian of adopting a “race-centered ideology.” It follows other administration efforts to reshape federally supported cultural bodies, including Trump’s earlier overhaul of the Kennedy Center’s board. The Smithsonian said it is reviewing the White House request and remains committed to “scholarly excellence, rigorous research and the accurate, factual presentation of history.” Civil-rights advocates and some historians warned the review could politicize curatorial decisions and downplay narratives about minority communities. The Smithsonian complex comprises 21 museums and galleries plus the National Zoo and drew nearly 17 million visitors last year. While funded mostly by congressional appropriations, it operates with statutory independence. The White House aims to complete the first phase of the review by early 2026, in time for celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.