started · updated
Trump demands Smithsonian install George Washington statues
Donald Trump has called on the Smithsonian Institution to install several monuments honoring George Washington at the National Museum of American History. His proposal includes a 30-foot ‘Colossus statue’ of the first president to be placed outside the museum, which would replace the existing ‘Infinity’ sculpture by artist José de Rivera.
Additionally, Trump requested that an 11-foot Washington statue, previously featured at the Freedom 250 IndyCar race, be installed in the museum’s Flag Hall by Constitution Day on September 17. He also advocated for a five-year exhibition dedicated to Washington’s life and legacy, intended to run through February 22, 2032, marking the 300th anniversary of Washington’s birth.
The demands are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape how national history is presented, following a White House report that criticized the Smithsonian for focusing on divisive narratives rather than national achievements. Trump described the current ‘Infinity’ sculpture as a ‘strange modernist sculpture’ that ‘tells visitors nothing about America.’ While the Smithsonian operates under an independent Board of Regents, the administration has previously sought to influence the institution through executive orders and funding critiques.
Entities
Donald Trump · George Washington · JD Vance · Jose de Rivera · National Museum of American History · National Museum of American History · Smithsonian Institution
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Trump requested a special exhibit honoring George Washington to run through February 22, 2032. ca.news.yahoo.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Trump suggested the museum establish a 'Center for American Heroes' instead of the Center for Restorative History. ca.news.yahoo.com · wtop.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Trump proposed replacing the 'Infinity' sculpture by Jose de Rivera with a 30-foot statue of George Washington. ca.news.yahoo.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Smithsonian operates outside the executive branch and is overseen by a Board of Regents. ca.news.yahoo.com · wtop.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Donald Trump called on the Smithsonian to install a colossal statue of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History. ca.news.yahoo.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com