U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he may pressure the Smithsonian Institution — the nation’s largest network of museums and research centers — to follow his demands, similar to how he has threatened colleges and universities by warning of possible funding cuts.
“I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The Smithsonian, founded in 1846 and home to 21 museums, galleries, and the National Zoo, has not yet commented. Most of its museums are in Washington, D.C.
When asked if Trump might try to cut Smithsonian funding, a White House official said, “President Trump will explore all options and avenues to get the Woke out of the Smithsonian and hold them accountable.”
The White House announced last week it will begin reviewing certain Smithsonian museums. Earlier this year, Trump accused the institution of promoting “anti-American ideology,” raising concerns among civil rights advocates.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been — Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future.”
The Smithsonian is mostly funded by Congress but makes its own decisions about exhibits and programs. Critics say Trump’s moves could reverse decades of social progress and weaken honest teaching about U.S. history.
Trump has also gone after major universities, citing issues like pro-Palestinian protests, transgender rights, climate change programs, and diversity initiatives. Last month, Columbia University agreed to pay $221 million, and Brown University agreed to pay $50 million after government probes. Harvard University is still in talks with the administration.
