Smithsonian Deadline Looms as White House Demands Ideology Review
Today marks the deadline for the Smithsonian Institution to submit documents regarding current and upcoming exhibitions to the White House for review, as mandated by an executive order. The White House is scrutinizing the museums’ offerings to ensure they do not express “improper ideology,” and the institution’s federal funding is contingent on compliance. Initial correspondence was initiated in August with a call for a comprehensive review, and despite some initial submissions, the White House is now demanding further documentation. Concerns regarding the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history and its potential impact on the upcoming 250th-anniversary celebrations are also highlighted in the December letter.
John Q. Hosedrinker