How the Smithsonian Could Fall

In a recent report, the Trump administration painted the National Museum of American History as a bastion of “radical, activist ideology,” calling for a content review and threatening to withhold funds unless it complies. This is not an isolated incident – but rather the latest salvo in a long-standing battle between the White House and America’s premier cultural institution.

The Smithsonian’s relationship with the federal government has always been complex and contradictory. It is both a public-private partnership, reliant on congressional appropriations for nearly two-thirds of its budget, and an independent “trust instrumentality” that defies easy categorization. This ambiguity allows the institution to maintain a precarious balance between government control and artistic freedom.

Several institutions have undergone “transformations” since Trump’s return to office in 2025 – a euphemism for ideological purging. The National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and even the Park Service have all fallen under the administration’s scrutiny. However, the Smithsonian remains an outlier.

Its unique structure allows it to operate with a degree of autonomy rare in government agencies. The institution’s board of regents, appointed by Congress, has historically provided a bulwark against executive branch interference. But what does this mean for the Smithsonian’s future? As the administration continues to exert pressure, the institution’s ability to maintain its independence will be tested like never before.

The Smithsonian’s history is replete with examples of its capacity for resilience. From its unusual beginnings as a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, who never even visited America during his lifetime, to its current status as a global cultural icon, the institution has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt and thrive.

In an era marked by increasing polarization and ideological rigidity, the Smithsonian stands as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the importance of nuanced storytelling and critical inquiry. The administration’s efforts to control the Smithsonian are ultimately a symptom of a larger crisis – one that threatens not just the institution, but also the very fabric of American democracy.

The Smithsonian’s independence is a vital component of our collective cultural heritage. Its ability to maintain its mission will be crucial in a time when artistic expression and critical inquiry are increasingly under threat. As the battle between the White House and the Smithsonian rages on, it remains to be seen whether the institution will succumb to pressure or continue to defy expectations.