Politics Jul 22 WATCH: House holds hearing on oversight of Smithsonian's National Museum of American History By News Desk and Associated Press
Politics Jul 05 White House report brands Smithsonian leadership as radical activists who can't be trusted The report released late on Independence Day by the White House Domestic Policy Council comes in the midst of Trump’s aggressive campaign to overhaul some of Washington's most sacred cultural and historic institutions. By Steve Peoples, Associated Press
Politics Feb 18 Melania Trump to donate 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian The strapless black-and-white gown was designed by her longtime fashion designer and stylist, Herve Pierre. By Associated Press
Politics Jan 13 Smithsonian pressured to show Trump its plans for exhibits for America's 250th birthday The Smithsonian Institution gave the White House new documents on its planned exhibits Tuesday in response to a demand to share precise details of what its museums and other programs are doing for America's 250th birthday. The intent is to… By Meg Kinnard, Gary Fields, Calvin Woodward, Associated Press
Arts Sep 25 Watch 8:34 Citizen historians document Smithsonian exhibits under White House scrutiny The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. It's a public-private trust that has long operated at arm's length from the White House, but now finds itself under unprecedented scrutiny from the Trump administration. Jeffrey Brown… By Jeffrey Brown, Maea Lenei Buhre, Mike Fritz, Cali Steffenhagen
Aug 20 Watch 7:10 Scholar says Trump's efforts to reframe U.S. history is 'reminiscent of McCarthyism' By Amna Nawaz, Simon Epstein, Doug Adams, Ian Couzens, Jenna Bloom President Trump described Smithsonian museums as “out of control” for emphasizing, in his view, “how bad slavery was.” It's part of a pattern by Trump in his second term to reframe historical narratives, in particular about racism and discrimination. Amna… Continue watching
Aug 19 Trump amplifies attacks on 'out of control' Smithsonian museums for including negative parts of American history By Associated Press Trump, who has been at odd with various cultural institutions since returning to office in January, added that he had “instructed” his attorneys to begin the “exact same process” he has used against colleges and universities.”… Continue reading
Aug 14 Watch 3:35 Smithsonian exhibit collects visitors' hopes for the next 50 years By Alia Solimon, Diarra Gangazha At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, a recent time capsule exhibit asked visitors to reflect on their hopes for the next 50 years. Alia Soliman, Diarra Gangazha and Jayden Hall from our journalism training program, PBS News Student… Continue watching
Jun 10 Watch 6:45 Smithsonian board rejects Trump's attempt to fire top leader By Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport, Simon Epstein The Smithsonian’s board of regents issued a statement on Monday declaring that “all personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of the secretary, with oversight by the board.” It comes amid President Trump's efforts to fire one… Continue watching
Feb 21 Watch 6:11 Green Book exhibit showcases history, struggles and triumphs of Black travel in the U.S. By Gabrielle Hays, Sarah Clune Hartman, Leila Jackson The “Negro Motorist Green Book,” a guide for African Americans first published in 1936, was a valued resource at a time when travel held the promise of adventure but was also perilous. It is now the subject of an exhibit… Continue watching