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Smithsonian Alters Exhibits Under Trump Administration Pressure

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Smithsonian Institution provided extra materials for 250th birthday exhibits after pressure from the Trump administration.
Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, said the Smithsonian is aligning content with U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to emphasize American exceptionalism.
The White House had threatened to withhold funding if the Smithsonian did not comply.
The National Portrait Gallery updated Trump’s photo to omit impeachment details.

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Story summary

The Smithsonian Institution provided extra materials for 250th birthday exhibits after pressure from the Trump administration.
Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, said the Smithsonian is aligning content with U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to emphasize American exceptionalism.
The White House had threatened to withhold funding if the Smithsonian did not comply.
The National Portrait Gallery updated Trump’s photo to omit impeachment details.