Politics

Trump administration threatens to cut agency support for Smithsonian over alleged bias

Federal officials requested a meeting with the institution's board after alleging political activism and anti-discrimination law violations.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 17:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

The Trump administration warned it may end executive agency cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution, including artifact loans and discretionary grants.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and White House policy assistant Vince Haley sent a letter demanding an in-person meeting with the Smithsonian's board.
Smithsonian leadership previously rejected related White House criticisms, maintaining its exhibits are guided by scholarship and accuracy.
It remains uncertain how the Smithsonian board will respond to the meeting request or whether the threatened cuts will take effect.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and White House domestic policy assistant Vince Haley sent a letter threatening to halt executive agency support, such as discretionary grants, procurement assistance, and artifact loans, to the Smithsonian Institution.[NBC News]
The administration's letter alleged that the Smithsonian violated anti-discrimination laws, fostered ideological activism, and weakened shared American identity.[NBC News]
The letter requested an in-person meeting with the Smithsonian board to address criticisms outlined in a July White House Domestic Policy Council report.[NBC News]
The July White House report specifically targeted the National Museum of American History, claiming it undermined faith in American institutions.[NBC News]
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch defended the institution in a July email to staff, calling the White House report an unfair characterization and emphasizing a commitment to accuracy and scholarship.[NBC News]

The Smithsonian Institution has not publicly responded to the administration's letter or indicated whether its board will agree to the requested meeting.[NBC News]
It is not specified when or through what legal mechanisms executive agencies would formalize the withdrawal of artifact loans, grants, and procurement support.[NBC News]