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The administration threatens to withdraw federal support for the Smithsonian Institution due to its perceived ideological activism.

The administration announced a letter sent to the Smithsonian Institution's governing body, warning that federal agencies may stop providing artifacts, procurement support, and discretionary grants. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and White House domestic policy assistant Vince Haley stated that executive departments cannot in good conscience continue to support the institution under its current leadership, which they claim has developed a culture of ideological activism. This pressure comes following a July report from the White House Domestic Policy Council that characterized the Smithsonian's interpretive ideology as extreme political activism. The report specifically targeted the National Museum of American History, alleging that it presents materials intended to undermine faith in American institutions. In response to these criticisms, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III stated that the report is not a fair characterization of the museum's work. He emphasized that the institution's work is driven by scholarship and accuracy rather than partisanship. Meanwhile, the administration has already begun to implement changes, with President Trump ordering the National Park Service to install temporary signage at the National Museum of American History to correct what he considers inaccurate information.

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