AS TRUMP TARGETS THE SMITHSONIAN, MUSEUMS ACROSS THE US FEEL A CHILL

THE NEW YORK TIMES
AUGUST 23, 2025

“It is not only Smithsonian museums—which have long been operated independently but are heavily reliant on federal funding—that are feeling the pressure during Trump’s second term. The president’s moves are being watched with concern by museums around the nation. Some have already changed their programming significantly—and sometimes abruptly—as they try to steer clear of potential hot-button topics including gender, sexuality and race. […]

Others are growing concerned as well. The National Coalition Against Censorship and the Vera List Center for Art and Politics are issuing a statement this week signed by more than 150 organizations and 275 individuals stating that ‘cultural institutions must maintain autonomy over programming choices, curatorial decisions and artistic content.’

‘They need the freedom to showcase visionary work that inspires, is unexpected, challenges dominant narratives and questions those in power,’ the statement says.”

—Zachary Small