The White House said it will conduct an internal review of selected Smithsonian Institution museums as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year. The review is the latest cultural initiative of President Donald Trump, who has accused the museum complex of promoting what he calls “anti-American ideology.” In an Aug. 12 letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, senior aides Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley and Russell Vought wrote that the goal is to “celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.” The move implements the March executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” Phase one covers eight of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Air and Space Museum. Officials will scrutinize exhibition texts, digital content, educational materials and curatorial processes. Museums must submit programming data within 30 days, sit for on-site interviews within 75 days and begin “content corrections” within 120 days, with a final report targeted for early 2026. The Smithsonian said it is reviewing the directive and intends to cooperate with the administration and Congress. While civil-rights advocates and some historians warn the effort could undermine the institution’s independence, the White House maintains that the review will ensure historically accurate and inclusive portrayals of the American story.