Smithsonian Institution.
group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government
- Reports this week
- 2
- Active events
- 2
- Connections
- 1,066
What's happening
Active this week
Earlier this month
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President Abelardo de la Espriella is identified as a conservative Trump ally as Trump fiercely criticized Smithsonian museums.Some support1 report
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The National Museum of the American Indian, a Smithsonian Institution museum, is facing policy pressure from the White House administration.Some support6 reports1 development inside
One to three months ago
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Donald Trump signed an executive order regarding museum exhibits and ousted a gallery director, while lawmakers criticized the museum's presentations.Well supported27 reports3 developments inside
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Trump criticized the Smithsonian Institution's messaging on July 30, 2026.Well supported33 reports
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Michael Collins' connection to the National Air and Space Museum serves as a historical benchmark for institutional change within the Smithsonian.Some support1 report
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An expedition, involving the Smithsonian Institution, is underway across Africa, gathering specimens and artifacts from various countries including Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Some support2 reports
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Congress established the Kennedy Center as a memorial, while the Trump administration criticized Smithsonian exhibits and appointed a new board chair.Some support1 report
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Josh Hawley and Laura Ingraham criticized Smithsonian leadership regarding the use of taxpayer resources and American spirit.Some support1 report
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Chief Justice John Roberts serves on the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents amid administration criticism and internal review.Some support27 reports1 development inside
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Trump repeatedly attacked the Smithsonian's focus on January 1, 2026, leading to the retirement of the chief and calls for a George Washington exhibition.Some support5 reports2 developments inside
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The Smithsonian Institution is facing scrutiny from Republicans in Congress regarding the collection of Flight 93 incident artifacts, while Donald Trump also questions the exhibits.Some support13 reports
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The Supreme Court blocked a Republican-drawn map in Missouri, while Republican officials also pressured Smithsonian exhibits.Some support1 report1 development inside
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The Trump administration criticized the Smithsonian Institution's historical narrative, with Doug Burgum asserting it advanced an ideological agenda.Some support2 reports
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Mike Simpson's budget cuts have reduced funding for the Smithsonian Institution, while he also chairs a subcommittee advancing a budget increase.Some support3 reports1 development inside
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Mike Simpson's budget cuts have reduced funding for the Smithsonian Institution, while he also chairs a subcommittee advancing a budget increase.Some support1 report
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The Smithsonian Institution completed a review involving the Domestic Policy Council.Some support1 report3 developments inside
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C-SPAN provided coverage of the Supreme Court and Congress, while noting past employment of Hixon-Day at the Smithsonian and National Trust.Some support2 reports
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A commission is considering a potential affiliation between the National Asian Pacific American Museum and the Smithsonian Institution.Some support1 report
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The US awarded a grant to Centre for Memories in Enugu, Nigeria, leveraging a longstanding US-Nigeria partnership.Some support4 reports
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White House report brands Smithsonian leadership as radical.Well supported6 reports1 development inside
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The Smithsonian Institution and the California Historical Society are collaborating on studies concerning historical scholarship and economic theories applied to regional development in Southern California.Some support2 reports
Gone quiet
No new reports in 90+ days-
The Smithsonian Institution is located in the San Diego area, which includes the neighborhood of La Jolla.Some support1 report
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Researchers from Lincoln University and the Smithsonian Institution studied the ecological risks associated with shipping disruptions.Some support2 reports
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The Smithsonian Institution used its magazine for institutional commentary, contributed to policy documents, and its leadership salaries were reviewed by Fox News.Some support3 reports
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Lal, who previously directed DEI for the National Association of Colleges and Employers, now directs Smithsonian's academic appointments amid Republican scrutiny.Some support2 reports
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Mike Braun's administration changed a land agreement involving the Indiana Historical Society and the Smithsonian Institution.Some support1 report
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Smithsonian Institution operates 21 museums in Washington, DC.Some support1 report
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The Smithsonian Institution is being questioned by Congress regarding institutional policies, using a case study involving Brandon Gill and Mickey Mouse.Well supported3 reports
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The Organization of American Historians condemned a White House report criticizing the ideological framework of the National Museum of American History.Well supported12 reports
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Trump issues directives regarding the scope of the Smithsonian Institution, which he also served as librarian during its 200th anniversary.Some support1 report1 development inside
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Nicholas Galanin's work is featured in a Smithsonian exhibit in Juneau, which is currently under scrutiny from the White House and Trump administration.Some support1 report
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Donald Trump targets Barack Obama and uses Project 2025 to outline attacks on cultural institutions.Some support1 report
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The Smithsonian Institution released a report detailing institutional capture within its museums.Well supported7 reports
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The Smithsonian Institution is housing a historical desk belonging to Thomas Jefferson.Some support1 report
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The Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of the Rockies have announced significant new fossil discoveries.Some support1 report
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Research is being conducted on Lonar Lake, located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, involving international bodies like the Smithsonian Institution.Some support1 report
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The Smithsonian Institution has partnered with AmaWaterways to offer river cruise and land tours focusing on the wine regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Rioja, and Basque Country.Some support1 report
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Lonnie G. Bunch III has been appointed as the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.Some support1 report
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Clint Smith details the pressure campaign against the Smithsonian Institution, which is being pressured by the Trump administration regarding its framing.Some support1 report
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Dataland, a project described as a Disneyland for art and tech, is utilizing datasets from the Smithsonian Institution and is located in Downtown Los Angeles.Some support1 report
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Lisa Sasaki serves as the interim director of the American Women's History Museum (AWHM), overseeing a major project with a $2M annual budget.Some support1 report
No events began in the chosen period. Widen it, or reset.
What's reaching Smithsonian Institution
Events traced to Smithsonian Institution, step by step, newest first- Smithsonian Institution faces funding threats from White HouseSmithsonian Institution faces funding threats amid ideological overhaul campaignLikely
- Politicization of the presidency may risk Smithsonian operationsPoliticization of the presidency may increase operational risks for the Smithsonian InstitutionPossible
- Smithsonian Institution may face leadership overhauls from ideological proposalsThe Smithsonian Institution could face leadership overhauls and attacks from ideological proposals.Possible
Explainers that pass through Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution is a step on the way to someone elseAround Smithsonian Institution this week
News at the entities that move Smithsonian Institution most-
Advocacy is underway for a new women's history museum, supported by institutions focused on identity.
Moves Smithsonian Institution
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Donald Trump StructuralNPR investigated a detention plan implemented by the Trump administration, involving DHS policy officials.Moves Smithsonian Institution
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Congress StructuralThe Democratic Party won a majority in Congress, with a Swiss resident in the United States being noted.Moves Smithsonian Institution
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Doug Burgum OperationalProPublica reported on Doug Burgum's financial interests and ties to Nvidia, following his service in Donald Trump's Cabinet.Moves Smithsonian Institution
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White House StructuralTrump acted as President from the White House while a fellowship was established at the University of Minnesota Law School.Moves Smithsonian Institution
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Project 2025 OperationalDonald Trump remains in the Oval Office while voters reject Project 2025 goals and billionaires fail to bail out political candidates.Moves Smithsonian Institution
Connections
The 40 strongest of 1,066, analyzed from the reporting. The bars show how strongly a change on one side reaches the other.-
Donald Trump Structural
Donald Trump and his administration used executive orders and political pressure to mandate ideological and operational changes within the Smithsonian Institution.
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Lonnie Bunch Structural
Lonnie Bunch served as the Secretary and leader of the Smithsonian Institution during her tenure.
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National Museum of American History Structural
The National Museum of American History functions as a division and subsidiary of the Smithsonian Institution.
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture operates as a division of the Smithsonian Institution.
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National Portrait Gallery Structural
The National Portrait Gallery is a current subsidiary of the Smithsonian Institution.
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National Museum of the American Indian Structural
The National Museum of the American Indian is a subsidiary of the Smithsonian Institution.
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JD Vance Structural
JD Vance serves as a member of the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents.
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Jeff Merkley Structural
Jeff Merkley oversees the funding for the Smithsonian Institution.
Show all 40 connections
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Congress Structural
Congress provides annual funding and exercises formal oversight over the Smithsonian Institution's agenda.
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Office of Management and Budget Structural
The Smithsonian Institution relies on the Office of Management and Budget for federal funding and operational oversight.
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Doug Burgum Operational
Doug Burgum, in his official capacity as Interior Secretary, is actively pressuring the Smithsonian Institution regarding its leadership, mission, and funding.
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Domestic Policy Council Structural
The Domestic Policy Council is formally reviewing, criticizing, and issuing reports regarding the institutional direction of the Smithsonian Institution.
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Lal Structural
Lal holds the appointed role of Director within the Smithsonian Institution's office of academic appointments.
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White House Structural
The White House exerts executive oversight and political pressure on the Smithsonian Institution, criticizing its leadership and threatening to withhold federal funds.
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Smithsonian American Art Museum Structural
SAAM functions as a formal division within the larger Smithsonian Institution structure.
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John Roberts Structural
Chief Justice Roberts holds a formal governance role as a member of the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents.
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Museum of American Finance Structural
Museum of American Finance operates as an affiliated entity under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution.
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Republicans Structural
Republican officials are applying political pressure, scrutiny, and regulatory oversight to the Smithsonian Institution's operations and exhibits.
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Project 2025 Operational
Project 2025 outlines and proposals call for leadership overhauls and attacks on the Smithsonian Institution.
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Indiana Historical Society Structural
Indiana Historical Society is a formal affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
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John Roberts Structural
John Roberts holds formal leadership roles, including Chancellor and Board of Regents, at the Smithsonian Institution.
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Clint Smith Operational
Clint Smith is actively involved in a pressure campaign directed against the Smithsonian Institution.
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AmaWaterways Operational
A partnership exists between the two entities to enable and market river cruise offerings.
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Lisa Murkowski Structural
The relationship is defined by Murkowski's oversight of the Smithsonian Institution's funding sources.
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National Numismatic Collection Structural
The National Numismatic Collection is housed and maintained by the Smithsonian Institution.
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Bureau of Indian Affairs Operational
The two institutions are in direct competition for limited funding resources, with BIA funding increasing while Smithsonian funding decreased.
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Mike Simpson Structural
Mike Simpson's budgetary decisions directly influence the funding and operational capacity of the Smithsonian Institution.
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Smithsonian Magazine Operational
The Smithsonian Institution utilizes its magazine as a dedicated platform for expressing institutional commentary and views.
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Huffman Dam Transactional
A fossil specimen was donated from the context of Huffman Dam to the Smithsonian Institution.
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Organization of American Historians Structural
B provides expert advice and critical review of A's historical findings and institutional representation.
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Tim Burchett Operational
Tim Burchett has used his legislative position to publicly scrutinize and challenge the Smithsonian Institution's institutional practices.
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National Park Service Structural
The National Park Service maintains sites and property that support the operational functions and museum displays of the Smithsonian Institution.
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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Structural
The Smithsonian Institution relies on financial support and operates under the regulatory purview of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
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Brandon Gill Operational
Brandon Gill, leveraging his capacity, has been questioning the Smithsonian Institution regarding its institutional policies and ideological drift.
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American Alliance of Museums Structural
SI provides policy framework documents and guidance on DEAI to the American Alliance of Museums.
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United Airlines Transactional
Smithsonian Institution collects historical artifacts related to the Flight 93 incident from United Airlines.
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Anthea M. Hartig Operational
Anthea M. Hartig holds a leadership role within the Smithsonian Institution, whose actions are subject to institutional scrutiny.
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Centre For Memories Operational
The two entities maintain a partnership where they interact functionally to achieve shared goals.
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Mike Gonzalez Operational
Mike Gonzalez publicly criticized the leadership and new museums of the Smithsonian Institution.
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Russell Vought Operational
Russell Vought was named by the Smithsonian Institution to help restore public trust.
History
Events by the month they beganNovember 2026
2 eventsOctober 2026
1 eventSeptember 2026
9 events- Michael Collins' connection to the National Air and Space Museum serves as a historical benchmark for institutional change within the Smithsonian.
- An expedition, involving the Smithsonian Institution, is underway across Africa, gathering specimens and artifacts from various countries including Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Congress established the Kennedy Center as a memorial, while the Trump administration criticized Smithsonian exhibits and appointed a new board chair.
- Josh Hawley and Laura Ingraham criticized Smithsonian leadership regarding the use of taxpayer resources and American spirit.
- Chief Justice John Roberts serves on the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents amid administration criticism and internal review.
- Trump repeatedly attacked the Smithsonian's focus on January 1, 2026, leading to the retirement of the chief and calls for a George Washington exhibition.
- The Smithsonian Institution is facing scrutiny from Republicans in Congress regarding the collection of Flight 93 incident artifacts, while Donald Trump also questions the exhibits.
- The Supreme Court blocked a Republican-drawn map in Missouri, while Republican officials also pressured Smithsonian exhibits.
- The Trump administration criticized the Smithsonian Institution's historical narrative, with Doug Burgum asserting it advanced an ideological agenda.
Show 3 earlier months
August 2026
9 events- Trump criticized the Smithsonian Institution's messaging on July 30, 2026.
- Mike Simpson's budget cuts have reduced funding for the Smithsonian Institution, while he also chairs a subcommittee advancing a budget increase.
- Mike Simpson's budget cuts have reduced funding for the Smithsonian Institution, while he also chairs a subcommittee advancing a budget increase.
- C-SPAN provided coverage of the Supreme Court and Congress, while noting past employment of Hixon-Day at the Smithsonian and National Trust.
- A commission is considering a potential affiliation between the National Asian Pacific American Museum and the Smithsonian Institution.
- The US awarded a grant to Centre for Memories in Enugu, Nigeria, leveraging a longstanding US-Nigeria partnership.
- The Smithsonian Institution and the California Historical Society are collaborating on studies concerning historical scholarship and economic theories applied to regional development in Southern California.
- The Smithsonian Institution is located in the San Diego area, which includes the neighborhood of La Jolla.
- Researchers from Lincoln University and the Smithsonian Institution studied the ecological risks associated with shipping disruptions.
July 2026
14 events- The National Museum of the American Indian, a Smithsonian Institution museum, is facing policy pressure from the White House administration.
- Donald Trump signed an executive order regarding museum exhibits and ousted a gallery director, while lawmakers criticized the museum's presentations.
- The Smithsonian Institution completed a review involving the Domestic Policy Council.
- White House report brands Smithsonian leadership as radical.
- The Smithsonian Institution used its magazine for institutional commentary, contributed to policy documents, and its leadership salaries were reviewed by Fox News.
- Lal, who previously directed DEI for the National Association of Colleges and Employers, now directs Smithsonian's academic appointments amid Republican scrutiny.
- Mike Braun's administration changed a land agreement involving the Indiana Historical Society and the Smithsonian Institution.
- Smithsonian Institution operates 21 museums in Washington, DC.
- The Smithsonian Institution is being questioned by Congress regarding institutional policies, using a case study involving Brandon Gill and Mickey Mouse.
- The Organization of American Historians condemned a White House report criticizing the ideological framework of the National Museum of American History.
- Nicholas Galanin's work is featured in a Smithsonian exhibit in Juneau, which is currently under scrutiny from the White House and Trump administration.
- Donald Trump targets Barack Obama and uses Project 2025 to outline attacks on cultural institutions.
- The Smithsonian Institution released a report detailing institutional capture within its museums.
- The Smithsonian Institution is housing a historical desk belonging to Thomas Jefferson.
June 2026
8 events- Trump issues directives regarding the scope of the Smithsonian Institution, which he also served as librarian during its 200th anniversary.
- The Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of the Rockies have announced significant new fossil discoveries.
- Research is being conducted on Lonar Lake, located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, involving international bodies like the Smithsonian Institution.
- The Smithsonian Institution has partnered with AmaWaterways to offer river cruise and land tours focusing on the wine regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Rioja, and Basque Country.
- Lonnie G. Bunch III has been appointed as the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
- Clint Smith details the pressure campaign against the Smithsonian Institution, which is being pressured by the Trump administration regarding its framing.
- Dataland, a project described as a Disneyland for art and tech, is utilizing datasets from the Smithsonian Institution and is located in Downtown Los Angeles.
- Lisa Sasaki serves as the interim director of the American Women's History Museum (AWHM), overseeing a major project with a $2M annual budget.