Key Facts
• August 19, 2025: Trump orders his lawyer to inspect a Washington museum.
• Smithsonian Institution criticized for focusing on slavery and negative aspects of U.S. history.
• Trump plans to apply similar processes used for universities to museums and research facilities.
• Trump shared his criticism on his social media platform, Truth Social.
• Photo of Smithsonian Museum exterior taken on August 1, 2025, by Annabelle Gordon.
Summary
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the Smithsonian Institution, accusing it of presenting a one-sided narrative focused on the negative aspects of American history, such as slavery, while neglecting themes of success and optimism. On August 19, 2025, Trump revealed that he had instructed his lawyer to inspect a Washington museum and announced plans to implement processes similar to those used for universities to oversee museums and research facilities. He expressed his views on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the Smithsonian “out of control.” This move highlights Trump’s ongoing efforts to influence cultural and educational institutions.
