Story perspectives

Trump Demands Removal of Infinity Sculpture From Smithsonian Museum

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 3:37 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump demanded removal of José de Rivera’s Infinity sculpture from the Museum of American History.
Trump called for a 30-foot George Washington “Colossus” to replace the sculpture and a five-year Washington exhibition.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced on September 3 a $84,000 plan for a dozen signs accusing the museum of ideological bias.
Smithsonian Director Anthea Hartig defended the museum, noting 368 objects, 340 labels and 54 Washington mentions.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1965 creation, the NEA has faced periodic attacks: Reagan’s 1980s budget cuts, the 1989 Mapplethorpe and Serrano controversies that spurred the 1990 Williams-Coleman amendment, and the 1994 Gingrich-led push that led Congress to slash funding to $99.5 million in 1996. Trump’s 2017 proposal to eliminate NEA money echoes these earlier battles over curatorial independence.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Donald Trump demanded removal of José de Rivera’s Infinity sculpture from the Museum of American History.
Trump called for a 30-foot George Washington “Colossus” to replace the sculpture and a five-year Washington exhibition.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced on September 3 a $84,000 plan for a dozen signs accusing the museum of ideological bias.
Smithsonian Director Anthea Hartig defended the museum, noting 368 objects, 340 labels and 54 Washington mentions.

1 / 2