Exclusive The Smithsonian Faces White House Deadline TODAY— Here’s How Black History Could Be at Risk
The Smithsonian is facing a White House deadline today to prove its exhibits don’t contain “improper ideology,” with the National Museum of African American History and Culture caught in the crossfire.
Black News 
As per usual, President Donald Trump is moving right along with his reported hit list. This time, the Smithsonian is under the federal microscope. Today, the institution faces a massive deadline to prove to the White House that its exhibits don’t contain what officials are calling “improper ideology.” The audit also singles out the National Museum of African American History and Culture, putting Black history — from our struggles to our milestones — in jeopardy.
In an effort to “restore truth and sanity to American history” — as stated by the executive order issued last March — the head of state is seeking to prohibit exhibits that “degrade shared American values,” divide based on race, or ideology inconsistent with federal law. And if you ask us, this could potentially mean straight up Black erasure and regression for our community.
To start, this executive order could potentially re-erect offensive statues or monuments removed amid the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. That includes more than 160 Confederate symbols, according to the SPL Center, as well as controversial figures such as slave trader Edward Colston, Christopher Columbus, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis — torn down by anti-racist protesters in Boston, Miami, and Virginia, per the BBC.
In Trump’s pursuit of a so-called “uplifting” narrative, he’s targeting the National Museum of African American History and Culture — the only national museum dedicated to documenting African American life and history, housing more than 40,000 artifacts and 300,000 members. He claims the Smithsonian has come under the influence of “a divisive race-centered ideology.”
“The National Museum of African American History and Culture has proclaimed that ‘hard work,’ ‘individualism,’ and ‘the nuclear family’ are aspects of ‘White culture,’” the memo argues, while adding that the administration will uplift “public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing.”
The message seems clear: erase us, elevate yourself — call it progress.
It wasn’t the National Museum of African American History and Culture that caused division — it was slavery. And while the White House is on its mission to “restore truth” to American history, removing the very origins of the country is anything but “truth” or “uplifting.”
That said, should the institution not abide by these parameters, it could risk cuts to its massive funding, per the New York Times.
“As you may know, funds apportioned for the Smithsonian Institution are only available for use in a manner consistent with Executive Order 14253, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” and the fulfillment of the requests set forth in our August 12, 2025 letter,” the White House letter states.
