Fact check: Is Donald Trump trying to remove items at the Smithsonian?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Donald Trump is not directly trying to remove specific items at the Smithsonian, but his administration has initiated a comprehensive review that could lead to the removal or alteration of exhibits and materials. The Trump White House has ordered a "comprehensive review" of eight Smithsonian museums to ensure they align with President Trump's cultural directives and vision of American history ^[1]. This review aims to remove "divisive or partisan narratives" and restore what the administration considers appropriate historical representation ^[1].

The review encompasses multiple aspects of museum operations, including assessments of online content, curatorial processes, and exhibition planning to ensure alignment with Trump's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism ^[2]. The administration seeks to make exhibits more "unifying" and aligned with Trump's interpretation of U.S. history, which could result in the removal or modification of items not conforming to this vision ^[3].

One concrete example has already occurred: the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History removed references to President Donald Trump's two impeachments from an exhibit display following pressure from the White House, though the Smithsonian stated that a future updated exhibit will include all impeachments ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the scope and rationale behind the administration's actions. The review is being conducted ahead of America's 250th anniversary, suggesting it's part of a broader effort to reshape how American history is presented during this milestone celebration ^[2].

The Smithsonian Institution itself has pushed back against some claims, with official sources stating that recent reports about the Smithsonian removing certain historic items are inaccurate and that these items remain on display ^[5]. This suggests there may be conflicting narratives about what is actually being removed versus what is being reviewed for potential changes.

Multiple stakeholders benefit from different interpretations of this situation:

• The Trump administration benefits from controlling historical narratives that align with their political messaging and vision of American exceptionalism
• Museum curators and historians may benefit from maintaining academic independence and comprehensive historical representation
• Political opponents may benefit from framing this as censorship or historical revisionism

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains implicit assumptions that may be misleading. By asking if Trump is "trying to remove items," it suggests direct, personal involvement in selecting specific artifacts for removal, when the evidence shows a more systematic administrative review process ^{[1] [6]}.

The question also lacks specificity about what types of "items" are being referenced - whether physical artifacts, exhibit materials, or interpretive content. The analyses reveal that the focus appears to be more on narrative content and interpretive materials rather than historical artifacts themselves.

The framing could be seen as politically charged, as it implies active censorship without acknowledging the administration's stated goal of creating more "unifying" exhibits or the Smithsonian's own clarifications about what remains on display ^{[5] [3]}. The question doesn't account for the institutional complexity of how museum content decisions are typically made through collaborative processes between government oversight and museum professionals.