Interior Secretary Doug Burgum informed the Smithsonian Board of Regents regarding a plan to overhaul the institution's ideological direction. The Trump administration intends to reduce federal funding for the 2027 fiscal year to prioritize "American excellence" over themes of oppression.
The $961.3 million floor for 2027
According to the report, the White House is proposing an 11% budget cut for the Smithsonian Institution in the 2027 fiscal year. This reduction would bring federal support down to approximately 961.3 million dollars, which would mark the lowest level of taxpayer funding since 2020.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argues that this financial restructuring is a necessary response to a comprehensive review of the museum system's programs... The administration believes that current funding is being diverted toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) frameworks that skew the institution's focus away from its primary mission of safeguarding cultural heritage.
Purging 'woke culture' from the National Museum of American History
President Donald Trump has used social media to label the Smithsonian as a "woke culture" holdout.. As the report says, the administration believes the museums focus too heavily on the struggles of the downtrodden and the horrors of slavery, while ignoring the triumphs of the American spirit.
To address this, President Donald Trump has directed his legal team to implement a process designed to remove "broken ideologies" from public institutions. This strategy is intended to mirror the approach the administration has used to address ideological shifts within American colleges and universities, effectively treating the museum system as an academic entity in need of a political reset.
The fight over gender transitioning and immigration curricula
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum specifically criticized the National Museum of American History for mandates that encourage employees to link historical topics to contemporary issues such as gender, sexuality, and economic inequality. the administration contends that this approach prioritizes political relevance over historical accuracy.
The administration's report further flags educational curricula that allegedly normalize illegal immigration by instructing teachers to avoid specific legal terminology. additionally, the White House has raised alarms over exhibits that discuss gender transitioning in sports, viewing these as distractions from a coherent historical account of the United States.
Mirroring the Trump administration's approach to higher education
This move is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI frameworks across the federal government. By framing the Smithsonian's current curation as a "divisive" approach,the administration is attempting to reposition the institution as a "beacon of American excellence."
This reflects a broader political strategy to shift the national narrative away from systemic oppression and toward a celebration of national triumph. The administration views the Smithsonian not just as a museum, but as a tool for fostering national pride for future generations.
Who will define 'historical acuracy' for the Board of Regents?
Several critical details remain unclear regarding the "Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution" Executive Order. it is not yet known how the administration will define the specific "broken ideologies" to be purged, nor has the Smithsonian Board of Regents publicly responded to the proposed 11% funding cut.
Furthermore, the report does not specify which exact exhibits or curricula are slated for immediate removal.. Because the source relies primarily on the administration's claims, it remains to be seen if the Smithsonian's curators will provide a counter-argument regarding the historical necessity of their current exhibits .
Comments 0