The Trump administration is focusing its attention on the Smithsonian Institution, accusing the taxpayer-funded museum of using federal dollars to promote political narratives. According to them, this approach fails to honor the American story.
Lindsey Halligan, a White House official, critiqued the content in the National Museum of American History’s Entertainment Nation exhibit in an email to Fox News Digital. The exhibit, highlighting American pop culture, has faced criticism for its interpretations of cultural milestones.
The exhibit’s display includes C-3PO and R2-D2 costumes from Star Wars, with a panel crediting the franchise for inspiring America during post-Vietnam uncertainty and Nixon-era scandal.
Some memorable examples from the exhibit include placards with politically charged messages. One placard near a 1923 circus poster reads: “Under the big top, circuses expressed the colonial impulse to claim dominion over the world.” Descriptions of early American entertainment highlight “extraordinary violence” as one of its defining traits.
The exhibit critiques iconic American characters, describing The Lone Ranger’s relationship with Tonto as reflecting how the U.S. government saw itself as a global Lone Ranger. Mickey Mouse’s depiction in the cartoon Steamboat Willie notes, “Mickey challenged authority, but not everyone was in on the joke,” while referencing longstanding traditions of blackface minstrelsy.
“Mickey Mouse debuted as the deckhand ‘Steamboat Willie’ in 1928 amidst anxieties about modern living eroding family and community ties.”
Indiana Jones is another character re-imagined through the exhibit’s perspective. His confident persona is linked to a sense of the 1980s, with a panel referencing Reagan’s famous speech, “Are you better off?”
The Kent State student’s anti-Trump art display in the exhibit has sparked outrage. A placard about 1920s circus performances describes them as expressing “the colonial impulse to claim dominion over the world.” Another panel presents Magnum, P.I. as challenging perceptions of Vietnam veterans as “damaged misfits.” Jon Stewart’s Daily Show is referred to as the “go-to for viewers who mistrusted politicians.”
A section on pop star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez highlights her influence on discussions about identity. A quote from Selena states, “I feel very proud to be Mexican,” reflecting the impact of Mexican American and Latinx communities.
Halligan states, “Framing American culture as inherently violent, imperialist, or racist does not reflect our nation’s greatness.” A display featuring changing gender norms includes cultural figures like Mae West and Judy Garland, with a backdrop quote, “When I’m bad, I’m better.”
A thorough content review is underway at the Smithsonian, involving senior leaders and the Board of Regents. Halligan confirmed that the audit aims to ensure content aligns with American founding principles and does not promote fringe ideologies.
The Smithsonian Institution responded to Fox News Digital, asserting its commitment to unbiased research and presentation of history. It did not address specific questions about the exhibit’s authorship or bilingual text.
Trump’s executive order in March instructed the Board of Regents to remove divisive or anti-American ideology. He accused the institution of supporting revisionist movements that undermine U.S. achievements.
Some board members, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Congressman Carlos Giménez, advocate for speedy content reviews. Giménez has affirmed tensions over the pace of changes, while a compromise was reached.
The Smithsonian relies on federal funding for two-thirds of its annual $1 billion budget. The permanent Entertainment Nation exhibit opened in December 2022 and features artifacts from movies, TV, sports, and music. Its goal is to show how entertainment influences American identity.
The Trump administration argues this cultural approach may promote ideologies opposing American values.
“Americans deserve a Smithsonian that inspires national pride,” Halligan stated. Jasmine Baehr, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, covers politics, military, and cultural topics.