The White House has announced a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's museums and research centers, sparking concerns among some about potential political interference in the nation's leading museum complex.

The review, ordered by President Trump (or, if writing after a different president, adjust accordingly), aims to "ensure alignment" with the administration's priorities and policies.

While officials claim the review is intended to assess efficiency and effectiveness, the timing and lack of specific details have fueled speculation that it's a prelude to shaping the Smithsonian's narrative and exhibits to reflect a particular political agenda.

The Smithsonian, an independent federal establishment, houses numerous world-renowned museums and research facilities, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of American History.

These institutions hold vast collections representing diverse perspectives on American history and culture.

Critics worry that a review focused on "alignment" could lead to censorship, the removal or downplaying of exhibits deemed unfavorable to the current administration, and the suppression of scholarly research that challenges official narratives.

The potential consequences of such a review are far-reaching.

The Smithsonian's reputation for unbiased scholarship and its commitment to presenting a comprehensive and nuanced view of history are globally recognized.

Any perceived politicization could severely damage its credibility, undermining public trust in its objectivity and impacting its ability to attract funding and visitors.

The review's scope remains unclear.

While the White House claims it will focus on financial management and operational efficiency, concerns persist that it could extend to the curatorial decisions and the content of exhibitions.

The lack of transparency surrounding the process has further intensified anxieties among museum professionals, historians, and the public.

Many fear that this review signals an attempt to control the national narrative and suppress dissenting viewpoints, raising critical questions about the future of this important cultural institution and the independence of federal research agencies.

The outcome of this review will significantly impact not only the Smithsonian but also the broader landscape of American museums and the public's access to a diverse and accurate representation of history.

The White House is launching an internal review of some of the Smithsonian Institution's best-known museums, seeking to "celebrate American exceptionalism" and remove what it views as "divisive or ideologically driven language."

The review was to Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Lonnie Bunch, signed by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought and two other White House aides. It comes after President Trump in March pushing for changes at the Smithsonian, including the removal of "improper ideology."

The review is timed with next year's celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the letter said.

"This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions," the White House's letter read.

The administration's review will initially focus on eight museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture — which was highlighted in Mr. Trump's for allegedly featuring "divisive, race-centered ideology" — as well as the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of American History and the National Portrait Gallery, among others. Additional museums will be reviewed in a future phase.

The letter said the reviewers will look at content for exhibits, plans for future exhibitions, collections and internal processes used by the museum's curators. It requested that museums start sending over some information in the next 30 days.

Within 120 days, the White House said museums should start making "content corrections where necessary, replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions."

The Smithsonian said in a statement to TheNews: "The Smithsonian's work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history. We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind and will continue to collaborate constructively with the White House, Congress, and our governing Board of Regents."

The letter called the review a "collaborative" effort that "empowers museum staff."

"Our goal is not to interfere with the day-to-day operations of curators or staff, but rather to support a broader vision of excellence that highlights historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of America's heritage," the White House wrote.

Mr. Trump has sought to reshape the Smithsonian and other U.S. cultural institutions during his second term to combat what he sees as ideological bias — assuming a more active role than prior presidents. 

His March executive order directed Vice President JD Vance — who serves on the Smithsonian's Board of Regents — to work to review Smithsonian museums, including by "seeking to remove improper ideology." It claimed some of the institution's museums have "promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive."

The order drew condemnation from Democrats. The four Democratic members of the House Administration Committee penned an open letter calling the moves "cowardly and unpatriotic" and saying Mr. Trump's order would undermine the Smithsonian's independence.

"Unfortunately, we now stand at the brink of seeing the Smithsonian at its worst: shaped solely by the views and ideology of one individual as a means of expanding his political power," the letter said.

Late last month, the Washington Post reported that the National Museum of American History had removed references to Mr. Trump's two impeachments. The Smithsonian it would update the exhibit to reflect all impeachment proceedings in U.S. history, calling the placard that was removed "temporary" and saying it "did not meet the museum's standards." The Smithsonian said it wasn't asked by the Trump administration to remove anything.

Mr. Trump also said he would of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in May, calling her a "highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI." The Smithsonian later put out a statement and asserting that only Bunch — who has served as secretary of the Smithsonian since 2019 — can make personnel decisions. The director later resigned, the and reported.

Meanwhile, the president pushed out the leadership of the Kennedy Center, prompting some artists to cancel planned performances.