Hold onto your hats, folks—President Trump’s team has just fired a shot across the bow at the Smithsonian Institution for what they call a blatant misuse of taxpayer money to push divisive, left-leaning narratives. The focus of their ire? The National Museum of American History’s Entertainment Nation exhibit, which they argue paints American culture with a brush of shame rather than pride.
According to Fox News, the Trump administration is taking a stand against what they see as federally funded propaganda, accusing the Smithsonian of using its platform—and roughly two-thirds of its $1 billion annual budget from federal appropriations—to promote one-sided political views through exhibits like Entertainment Nation.
Launched in December 2022 as a permanent display in the museum’s west wing, Entertainment Nation aims to explore how pop culture shapes and mirrors American identity. It showcases artifacts from movies, TV, sports, and music. But the devil, as they say, is in the details—or rather, the placards.
Critics within the administration have zeroed in on specific interpretations in the exhibit that seem to cast American history in a harsh, unflattering light. A 1923 circus poster, for instance, comes with text suggesting circuses reflected a colonial urge to dominate the world. Another display ties early entertainment to “extraordinary violence” as a core trait of our past.
Then there’s the take on Mickey Mouse’s 1928 debut in Steamboat Willie, linking the beloved character to blackface minstrelsy and societal fears of modernity eroding family bonds. Displays on The Lone Ranger and Indiana Jones further fuel the fire, with text implying parallels to U.S. imperialism and overconfident righteousness. Well, isn’t that a creative way to turn childhood heroes into villains?
Even more contemporary figures aren’t spared, as a panel on Selena Quintanilla-Pérez frames her legacy through the lens of identity politics, emphasizing her Mexican heritage and influence on Latinx communities. A section on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show paints it as a haven for those distrusting politicians and media. Sounds like a curated jab at traditional values, doesn’t it?
President Trump isn’t sitting idly by while taxpayer dollars fund what his team sees as cultural revisionism. In March, he issued an executive order directing the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents to root out any “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from its museums. It’s a bold move to steer these institutions back toward celebrating national greatness.
The Board, which includes heavyweights like the vice president, the chief justice, and congressional members, is now under pressure to act. Vice President J.D. Vance and Congressman Carlos Giménez, recent appointees, are pushing for a swift content review. After some heated debate at a June meeting, a compromise on the timeline was reached.
A comprehensive review of all Smithsonian content is now underway, involving senior leaders and the Board of Regents. The goal? Ensure exhibits align with a balanced, respectful portrayal of American history, not a soapbox for progressive agendas.
Lindsey Halligan, a spokesperson for the administration, didn’t mince words, stating, “American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country.” That’s a sharp reminder that public money comes with public accountability. Turns out, actions—or in this case, exhibits—do have consequences.
Halligan further emphasized, “Framing American culture as inherently violent, imperialist, or racist does not reflect the greatness of our nation.” It’s a fair point—shouldn’t a national museum inspire pride rather than perpetuate guilt? The administration is fed up with narratives that seem to apologize for America’s past.
Halligan also promised updates on the ongoing audit, saying, “We will provide updates on this audit as our progress unfolds.” Transparency is key, and many Americans will be watching to see if the Smithsonian can pivot to a more unifying tone. Let’s hope the result isn’t just another exhibit on how to dodge accountability.
For its part, the Smithsonian has stated a commitment to unbiased scholarship and factual presentation, claiming it’s assessing content to meet high standards. Yet, it dodged specific questions about the Entertainment Nation exhibit’s authorship, outside influences, or even the choice to present text bilingually in English and Spanish.
Silence on these details raises eyebrows, doesn’t it? While the debate rages, the administration remains steadfast in its mission to reshape cultural institutions perceived as drifting too far left.
Halligan summed it up: “Americans deserve a Smithsonian that inspires national pride.” If the goal is to reflect the true spirit of this country, perhaps it’s time for some long-overdue housekeeping at one of our most iconic institutions.
