Smithsonian museums must represent the U.S. in a "fair" manner and portray both the good and the bad of American history, according to President Donald Trump. (Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters)
"Our museums have an obligation to represent what happened in our country over the years. Good and bad," Trump said. "But what happened over the years in an accurate way."
The Smithsonian told Fox News Digital it was reviewing the Trump administration's letter and would work with the White House, Congress and its governing Board of Regents moving forward.
"The Smithsonian’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research and the accurate, factual presentation of history," the Smithsonian said in a statement.
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, weighed in on the matter earlier Thursday, saying left-wing activists had "obscenely defaced" the museum.
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"The Smithsonian is supposed to be a global symbol of American strength, culture and prestige," Miller posted to X Thursday. "A place for families and children to celebrate American history and greatness. Instead, the exhibits have clearly been taken over by leftwing activists who have used the Smithsonian as yet one platform to endlessly bash America and rewrite / erase our magnificent story.
"These activists have obscenely defaced this beloved institution," Miller added. "The Trump Administration will proudly and diligently restore the patriotic glory of America and ensure the Smithsonian is a place that once more inspires love and devotion to this nation, especially among our youngest citizens."
The White House’s initial letter to the Smithsonian Tuesday said the review would evaluate social media, exhibition text and educational materials. This would be done to "assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals," the letter said.
"This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions," the letter said.
Vice President JD Vance has already shaken things up at the Smithsonian. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Artist Amy Sherald canceled an exhibit scheduled to arrive at the Smithsonian in September that included a portrait of a transgender Statue of Liberty at the National Portrait Gallery after Vance claimed the show featured woke and divisive content, Fox News Digital first reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/american-history-wont-displayed-in-woke-manner-smithsonian-trump-says