Story perspectives

White House Calls Smithsonian “Extreme”; Trump Orders “Uplifting” Narratives

7/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The White House Domestic Policy Council released a report on July 4 labeling Smithsonian leaders “extreme” activists and accusing the National Museum of American History of abandoning scholarship.
President Donald Trump signed a March executive order directing to present “uplifting” narratives and add citizen members to Smithsonian Board.
Lonnie Bunch III defended the museum’s role in presenting a complex past, while Governor Josh Shapiro called the effort a rewrite of history.

History

Historical Context

In 1989 the NEA faced a culture-war surge after the controversial “Piss Christ” photo and Mapplethorpe exhibition, prompting Senators Al D’Amato and Jesse Helms to demand reforms. Congress responded in 1990 by cutting $20 million from the agency’s budget, a move echoed today by the White House Domestic Policy Council’s July 4 report labeling Smithsonian leaders “extreme.”

1 of 2

Story summary

The White House Domestic Policy Council released a report on July 4 labeling Smithsonian leaders “extreme” activists and accusing the National Museum of American History of abandoning scholarship.
President Donald Trump signed a March executive order directing to present “uplifting” narratives and add citizen members to Smithsonian Board.
Lonnie Bunch III defended the museum’s role in presenting a complex past, while Governor Josh Shapiro called the effort a rewrite of history.

1 / 2