"A library in rural Alaska needed help providing free Wi-Fi and getting kids to read. A children's museum in Washington wanted to expand its Little Science Lab. And a World War I museum in Missouri had a raft of historic documents it needed to digitize. They received funding from a little-known federal agency before the Trump administration unsuccessfully tried to dismantle it last year."
"These would include those that foster an appreciation for the country "through uplifting and positive narratives," the agency writes, citing an executive order that attacks the Smithsonian Institution for its "divisive, race-centered ideology." (Trump has said the museum focused too much on "how bad slavery was.") The agency also points to an executive order calling for the end of " the anti-Christian weaponization of government" and one titled Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again."
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle with criteria emphasizing alignment with President Donald Trump's vision. In cover letters accompanying applications, the institute said it "particularly welcomes" projects that foster appreciation for the country through uplifting and positive narratives and cited executive orders criticizing the Smithsonian's "divisive, race-centered ideology," calling to end "the anti-Christian weaponization of government," and promoting federal architectural aesthetics. The solicitation departs from previously apolitical, merit-focused guidelines. Recent beneficiaries included a rural Alaska library providing free Wi-Fi, a children's museum expanding a Little Science Lab, and a World War I museum digitizing historic documents.
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