How the Smithsonian became the latest front in Trump’s culture war
The Smithsonian Institution is facing intense scrutiny from the Trump administration over allegations of ideological bias in its historical exhibits. A White House report specifically criticized the museum for framing Benjamin Franklin's scientific work through the lens of slavery and political activism.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between political administrations and cultural institutions regarding the interpretation of American history.
“ideological capture” How the Smithsonian became the latest front in Trump’s culture war The Smithsonian has faced withering pressure from the Trump administration.
36 The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is seen from the Washington Monument on July 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is seen from the Washington Monument on July 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav In November 2021, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History opened an exhibit called “The Electric Dr. Franklin,” describing “Benjamin Franklin’s pioneering contributions to electrical science.” The exhibit explained that, prior to becoming an abolitionist, he had enslaved people in his household. “Benjamin Franklin’s remarkable scientific accomplishments were, in part, enabled by slavery,” it declared.
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