August 28, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms

Confirmed

Interior Secretary and White House Aide Warn Federal Agencies May Stop Loaning Artifacts and Grants to the Smithsonian Unless Its Leadership Changes

In an Aug. 28, 2026 letter to the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents, made public in early September, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley wrote that federal...

July 24, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms

Confirmed

Trump Orders Warning Signs Outside the Smithsonian's American History Museum

President Trump signed an executive order on July 24, 2026 directing the Interior Department, through the National Park Service, to install signage on public walkways leading to the Smithsonian's National Museum of...

August 12, 2025 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms

Confirmed

White House Orders a Content Review of Eight Smithsonian Museums Before the 250th Anniversary

On August 12, 2025, the White House sent a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, signed by Lindsey Halligan, Vince Haley and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, directing a "comprehensive...