The Trump administration has recently turned its focus towards the Smithsonian Institution, a taxpayer-funded museum complex, accusing it of utilizing federal funds to propagate what it deems as "one-sided, divisive political narratives" that fail to adequately celebrate the magnificence of the American narrative.
Lindsey Halligan, a White House official, expressed her disapproval of the content currently exhibited at the National Museum of American Historys Entertainment Nation exhibit in an exclusive email to Fox News Digital. The exhibit, which delves into American pop culture, has been the subject of both internal and external criticism for what some perceive as a politically charged interpretation of cultural milestones.
"American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country or promote one-sided, divisive political narratives," Halligan stated. "The Smithsonian Institution should present history in a way that is accurate, balanced, and consistent with the values that make the United States of America exceptional."
This statement from the White House follows several notable examples from the exhibit. One placard, displayed next to a 1923 circus poster, asserts: "Under the big top, circuses expressed the colonial impulse to claim dominion over the world." Another, describing early American entertainment, declares: "One of the earliest defining traits of entertainment in the United States was extraordinary violence."
The exhibit critically reframes iconic American characters through a politically charged lens. For instance, the display on The Lone Ranger states: "The White title characters relationship with Tonto resembled how the U.S. government imagined itself the worlds Lone Ranger." Even Mickey Mouse, a cherished American cultural icon, is not exempt. A display for the 1928 cartoon Steamboat Willie states, "Mickey challenged authority, but not everyone was in on the joke."
Halligan confirmed that a comprehensive content review is already in progress, with contributions from senior Smithsonian leaders and the Board of Regents. "We are working with leadership at the Smithsonian to audit and review all content at the museums," she said, "and we are committed to ensuring that such content honors our countrys founding principles, tells the stories of American heroes, and does not promote fringe or activist ideologies masquerading as history."
The Smithsonian Institution responded to Fox News Digital with a brief written statement: "The museum is committed to continuous and rigorous scholarship and research and unbiased presentation of facts and history. As such, and as previously announced, we are assessing content in Smithsonian museums and will make any necessary changes to ensure our content meets our standards."
This controversy arises amidst a broader initiative by President Donald Trump to reshape cultural institutions he believes have leaned excessively to the left. In March, Trump issued an executive order directing the Board of Regents to eliminate "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from Smithsonian museums. He accused the institution of embracing what he termed "a revisionist movement" aimed at "undermining the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light."
The Smithsonian receives approximately two-thirds of its $1 billion annual budget from federal appropriations. The Entertainment Nation exhibit, which opened in December 2022, was promoted as a permanent exhibition to "celebrate the power of popular culture to shape and reflect history." It is located in a prominent space on the museums west wing and showcases artifacts and media from movies, television, sports, and music.
While the museums stated objective is to explore how entertainment intersects with American identity, the Trump administration contends that it instead uses culture to subtly introduce ideology often at odds with the values most Americans uphold. "Americans deserve a Smithsonian that inspires national pride, tells the truth, and reflects the greatness of this country," Halligan said. "Not one that serves as an agent for social change and cultural subversion."
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