Smithsonian Complies With Trump's Documents Request

"Months after the Trump administration promised to issue "content corrections" for Smithsonian exhibits in line with his bid to promote " American exceptionalism " in the museum system, the institution complied with the President's request to hand over documents, wall texts, and other materials. An internal email sent by Lonnie G. Bunch, reviewed by Hyperallergic, notified Smithsonian staff that the institution had carried out the White House's request, following the administration's December threat to withhold congressional appropriations from the organization unless it complied."

""Today we transmitted more information in response to that request, which included digital photographs of labels, placards, and other text on public display in several galleries," Bunch wrote in the email, sent on January 13. "We will continue to provide responsive information on a rolling basis." The Trump administration first requested the materials, including information about the Smithsonian's curatorial processes and programming for the 250th anniversary of the United States, in August."

"In March, the White House targeted the Smithsonian in an executive order, accusing it of centering "race-centered ideology" and citing an exhibition that examined racism in sculpture. In letters to Bunch, the White House articulated that its review of the Smithsonian was intended to promote "American exceptionalism" and "remove divisive or partisan narratives" from the museum system."

The Smithsonian transmitted documents, wall texts, and other materials to the White House after a targeted request and threats to withhold congressional appropriations. An internal email from Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch stated that digital photographs of labels, placards, and on‑display text were provided on January 13 and that the institution will continue supplying responsive information. The administration first requested curatorial and programming details in August and issued an executive order in March accusing the Smithsonian of centering race‑centered ideology. The White House said the review aims to promote American exceptionalism and remove divisive or partisan narratives from the museum system.

Read at Hyperallergic