President Donald Trump's effort to root out what his administration calls 'woke' ideology at the Smithsonian has grown into one of the most extensive White House reviews of the institution in decades. The Smithsonian oversees 21 museums, the National Zoo and nearly 157 million objects and specimens while receiving more than $1 billion annually in federal funding. The administration's campaign has placed the taxpayer-supported institution at the center of a broader debate over patriotism, historical interpretation and the role of federally funded cultural institutions.

Trump signed an executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' in March 2025, arguing that federal cultural institutions have promoted 'divisive' ideological narratives. The order directs the Trump administration to restore what it describes as a more patriotic presentation of American history, tasking the White House Domestic Policy Council and Vice President JD Vance to review Smithsonian exhibits and programs.

The White House launched its investigation in spring 2025, focusing primarily on the National Museum of American History. Officials reviewed exhibits, educational materials, strategic plans, leadership speeches and public statements. The effort culminated in a 162-page White House report recommending sweeps reforms and announcing new executive actions aimed at implementing those recommendations.

The Smithsonian has faced criticism for holding no special Independence Day programming in 2025, discontinuing Flag Day ceremonies, and planning 250th anniversary exhibits emphasizing flaws of the United States. The White House concluded the museum has undergone 'ideological capture' and recommended removing political activism from exhibits while restoring displays that emphasize America's founding principles and national achievements.