Trump seeks budget cuts for Smithsonian amid 'woke' exhibit controversy

President Donald Trump ordered warning signs to be placed outside the Smithsonian Institution, accusing the museum network of promoting "woke" ideology and politicized exhibits. The White House is proposing to reduce the Smithsonian’s annual budget request to below $1 billion for the first time since fiscal year 2020, a sharp contrast to the Biden administration’s requests that rose to a record $1.24 billion in FY 2024.

The administration has launched a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian’s exhibits, educational programs, leadership and internal records. Over the past 16 months officials have issued document requests, interviewed curators and conducted on‑site walkthroughs, culminating in a 162‑page report that recommends sweeping reforms. A congressional hearing has further highlighted the dispute over the museum’s displays and their historical accuracy.