Trump administration says agencies may stop working with the Smithsonian

Key Points:

• The Trump administration has threatened to halt federal agencies' collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution unless its leadership changes, accusing the museum of promoting "extreme political activism" and ideological bias.
• In a recent letter, officials warned that agencies might stop loaning artifacts, procurement processes, and discretionary grants to the Smithsonian, citing concerns about the institution's culture and alleged violations of federal antidiscrimination laws.
• The Smithsonian, which receives two-thirds of its budget from the federal government, maintains its independence and denies political bias, emphasizing its commitment to scholarship and preserving American history objectively.
• The administration's pressure follows a broader campaign, including a White House-ordered review of the Smithsonian and efforts to appoint public board members aligned with Trump's priorities ahead of upcoming vacancies.
• Smithsonian leadership and many board members advocate for institutional autonomy, resisting political influence despite increased scrutiny and intervention attempts by the current administration.