Smithsonian faces a deadline to show Trump its plans for exhibits for America’s 250th birthday
January 13, 2026
The Smithsonian museums are facing a White House deadline to turn over documents on their plans for the country’s 250th birthday and other exhibits. The review is part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping effort to purge negativity from the stories Americans are told about their history and culture. Trump wants an upbeat accounting, not one weighted by complexities or shameful episodes of the past. The White House asked the Smithsonian Institution last month to deliver lists of all displays, objects, wall text and other material dedicated to this year’s anniversary and other purposes, by the end of Tuesday.