The White House has directed the Smithsonian Institution to undertake an extensive review of its museum exhibitions, educational materials and curatorial processes in advance of the United States’ 250th anniversary next year. In a 12 August letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, senior administration officials said the review must ensure that displays “celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions” in line with President Donald Trump’s March executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” Eight flagship museums—including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Air and Space Museum—are covered in the first phase. They must submit exhibition texts, social-media content and other public-facing materials within 30 days and start making “content corrections” within 120 days. A comprehensive report with museum-specific recommendations is due by early 2026; additional Smithsonian venues will be examined in later phases. The administration’s move follows criticism from the president that the Smithsonian has embraced “race-centered ideology.” Civil-rights groups and some historians warn the initiative could politicise an institution long viewed as non-partisan, while the Smithsonian said it remains committed to “scholarly excellence, rigorous research and the accurate, factual presentation of history” and will review the White House request with its Board of Regents. The order is the latest in a series of cultural interventions by the Trump administration, which earlier this year reshaped the Kennedy Center’s board and programming.