Stop Trump From Taking Over the Smithsonian

Donald Trump is trying to turn America’s museums into MAGA propaganda. And now he may have his biggest opening yet: Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III announced his retirement just yesterday.

Trump has spent months pressuring the Smithsonian over exhibits that tell uncomfortable truths about slavery, racism, immigration, and American history. His administration has demanded reviews of museum content, attacked Smithsonian leadership, and threatened federal funding. He wants the power to decide which parts of our history Americans are allowed to see—and which parts get erased.

But Trump does not choose the Smithsonian’s next secretary. The Smithsonian Board of Regents does. And with Bunch leaving at the end of the year, the Board is about to begin a national search for his successor.

Tell the Smithsonian Board of Regents: Don’t let Trump take over the Smithsonian. Choose a new secretary who will stand up to him, defend the institution’s independence, and reject political interference.

The Smithsonian belongs to the American people—not Donald Trump.

Our national museums should tell the truth, even when that truth makes politicians uncomfortable. Slavery happened. Racism shaped our country. Protest movements changed America. Those truths should be preserved and taught—not sanitized to satisfy one president’s political agenda.

The Board has already shown that the Smithsonian can resist White House interference. Now it faces an even bigger test.

A weak or politically compliant successor could give Trump exactly what he wants: more control over exhibits, historians, educators, and the stories millions of visitors encounter every year. An independent leader can draw a line and protect the Smithsonian’s mission.

The search for Bunch’s replacement is beginning now, while Trump is actively pressuring the institution. That makes this the moment to speak up—before the next secretary is chosen.

Add your name and tell the Smithsonian Board of Regents: Don’t hand Trump control over our history. Choose a leader who will stand up to him and defend the Smithsonian’s independence.

The petition to the Smithsonian Board of Regents reads:

“Don't let Trump take over the Smithsonian. Choose a new secretary who will defend the institution’s independence and historical integrity and reject political interference in its exhibits, educational content, staffing, scholarship, and research.”