The White House has launched an expansive review of all Smithsonian Institution exhibitions, materials and operations, seeking to align the federally funded museum network with President Donald Trump’s interpretation of U.S. history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, officials confirmed. In a letter dated 12 August to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, senior aide Lindsey Halligan, Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said the initiative will scrutinize museum exhibitions, online content, curatorial processes, artist grants and the use of collections. The Smithsonian, which encompasses 21 museums, 14 education and research centers and the National Zoo, will be assessed for consistency with what the letter describes as a mandate to celebrate American exceptionalism and to eliminate divisive or partisan narratives. The effort stems from a 27 March executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which directs federal cultural institutions to remove what the administration calls “improper ideology.” The move follows earlier controversy over the removal—and subsequent reinstatement—of references to Trump’s impeachments at the National Museum of American History. White House officials said the review is intended to preserve public trust in a revered national institution, while historians and museum professionals are already debating potential impacts on academic and curatorial independence.