Trump admin threatens to cut federal support for Smithsonian
Summary
The Trump administration is threatening to stop federal support and cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution, accusing its leadership of pushing a political agenda. This comes after a July report claimed the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History promotes extreme political views, which museum leaders deny.Key Facts
- The Interior Department sent a letter to the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents threatening to cut federal support and collaboration.
- The letter says taxpayer money should preserve culture, not promote a political agenda.
- The Smithsonian receives over $1 billion a year from Congress and additional support from federal agencies.
- The White House Domestic Policy Council issued a 162-page report accusing the museum of political activism on topics like race, immigration, and transgender issues.
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig testified that the museum stays neutral and is based on accurate and independent scholarship.
- Hartig said the White House report does not fairly represent the museum's work.
- The Interior Secretary and White House officials requested a meeting with the Smithsonian’s Board to discuss the issue.
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