Summary
President Donald Trump has warned the Smithsonian Institution that he may stop government funding unless it gives him certain internal records. The White House wants to make sure the Smithsonian's exhibits present a positive view of U.S. history ahead of the country's 250th anniversary in 2026.
Key Facts
- President Trump has threatened to withhold funding from the Smithsonian if it doesn't share specific internal records.
- The records requested include exhibition plans, budgets, and partnership lists related to the 250th anniversary of America.
- The Smithsonian gets about two-thirds of its $1.25 billion budget from federal funding.
- The White House wants Smithsonian exhibits to show a positive view of American history.
- Trump issued an executive order in 2025 about removing exhibits he believes promote divisive messages.
- Democratic senators have urged the Smithsonian to resist any pressure from the White House.
- The Smithsonian is managed as an independent federal trust, not directly controlled by the President.
