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Smithsonian Offers $35,000 Private Screening for “White Guilt”

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 11:35 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Filmmaker Eli Steele asked the Smithsonian why his documentary “White Guilt” lacks a public screening at the NMAAHC.
The museum said the proposed dates were unavailable and offered a private rental for $35,000.
Steele’s team submitted a September application for a public screening, but the museum did not respond after a follow-up.
President Donald Trump’s administration has pressured the Smithsonian, threatening to cut discretionary grants over alleged ideological bias.
Conservative commentators Carol Swain and Jason Riley said the refusal reflects a broader liberal bias in academia.

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Story summary

Filmmaker Eli Steele asked the Smithsonian why his documentary “White Guilt” lacks a public screening at the NMAAHC.
The museum said the proposed dates were unavailable and offered a private rental for $35,000.
Steele’s team submitted a September application for a public screening, but the museum did not respond after a follow-up.
President Donald Trump’s administration has pressured the Smithsonian, threatening to cut discretionary grants over alleged ideological bias.
Conservative commentators Carol Swain and Jason Riley said the refusal reflects a broader liberal bias in academia.