Smithsonian Institution Initiates Internal Examination of Its Programs Amidst Claims of Independence from the Trump Administration

The Smithsonian Institution, a prestigious American museum and research complex, has weighed in on the recent speculation surrounding its response to the Trump administration's executive order. Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, the head of the institution, has confirmed that a small internal team has been assembled to review materials for submission to the White House.

In a letter to his staff, Secretary Bunch emphasised the importance of the Smithsonian's independence, stating that he takes his responsibility to steward the institution on behalf of the American people very seriously. The Smithsonian Institution, while receiving about two-thirds of its $1 billion annual budget from the federal government, is not a federal entity. It is, in fact, overseen by a Board of Regents, as stipulated by Congress upon its founding in 1846. The current board includes the Vice President, the Chief Justice of the United States, six members of Congress, and nine citizen regents.

The White House, in a March executive order, claimed that the Smithsonian had "come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology." However, the Smithsonian Institution remains independent, according to Secretary Bunch. The institution will conduct its own review to ensure programming and content is nonpartisan and factual.

Trump is reported to have claimed the firing of National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet in May over her support for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Sajet, despite initially rejecting the firing, later resigned, stating that Trump had no jurisdiction. Bunch had lunch with President Donald Trump last week, although the details of their discussion remain unclear.

In response to the White House, Secretary Bunch responded in another letter on Tuesday. As of now, the White House has yet to respond to Bunch's most recent letter. The New York Times reported on the letter sent by Secretary Bunch to his staff.

The White House also released a list of artworks in the Smithsonian's museums that appeared to denounce them. The Smithsonian Institution has not commented on this specific matter. However, the institution's commitment to maintaining a nonpartisan and factual approach to its programming remains unwavering.

Smithsonian Institution Initiates Internal Examination of Its Programs Amidst Claims of Independence from the Trump Administration