President Trump called on the Smithsonian Institution to install a 30-foot 'Colossus' statue of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History, replacing the 1967 abstract sculpture 'Infinity' by José de Rivera. He also requested an 11-foot statue for Flag Hall by Constitution Day, Sept. 17, tied to the Freedom 250 Indy Car race. Trump criticized the current sculpture as uninspiring and claimed Washington is 'America’s Greatest Hero.' His demands align with a broader push for 'patriotic' history, including a March 2025 executive order accusing the Smithsonian of promoting a 'divisive, race-centered ideology.' Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G.

Bunch III, 73, announced his resignation by year-end amid tensions with the White House. The Smithsonian, which operates independently but receives two-thirds of its $1B budget from federal funds, has not responded to requests for comment. Trump’s campaign includes the Freedom Trucks mobile exhibit featuring an AI-generated Washington and himself, highlighting Washington’s Delaware crossing as a Revolutionary turning point.