The White House Is Trying to Ice Out the Smithsonian
The Trump administration is pressuring federal agencies to cease cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution, including the loaning of artifacts and awarding of grants. This move follows the Smithsonian's decision to bypass Congress to establish the National Museum of the American Latino in an existing building.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the increasing political friction between the executive branch and independent cultural institutions, raising questions about the limits of presidential influence over non-partisan entities.
A renewed threat underscores the museum complex’s isolation—and the limits of Trump’s pressure campaign.
Caroline Gutman for The Atlantic September 2, 2026, 10:30 AM ET Share Save The Trump administration’s latest strategy to control the Smithsonian has the logic of lunchroom bullying; the Department of Interior is channeling “you can’t sit with us” energy as it tries to make the world’s largest museum complex a pariah in Washington.
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