Letter to the Smithsonian: Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions and Materials

12/18/2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Subject & Request: The White House letter to Secretary Bunch directs the Smithsonian Institution to submit comprehensive documentation on exhibitions, including current exhibition descriptions, draft plans, programming materials, and internal development guidelines.
Compliance Deadlines & Delays: Originally due by September 11, 2025, the deadline was extended due to staffing transitions; however, only a partial submission was received on September 18, 2025, leaving most requested items outstanding.
Required Materials: Requested documents include current wall texts, didactics, exhibition proposals and budgets, object checklists, internal governance manuals, chain-of-command records for content approval, and detailed America 250 programming files.
Legal & Professional Standards: The request emphasizes compliance with federal law, the Smithsonian Charter (20 U.S.C. § 46), Smithsonian Directive 501, and best practices outlined by AAM, ICOM, and AAMD for maintaining transparent, accountable records.
Historical Context: The initiative is linked to preparations for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, reinforcing the importance of showcasing a positive narrative of American history.
Implementation & Tracking: A chain-of-custody protocol is recommended for managing and tracking document uploads to ensure organized cataloging and processing, with funds constrained to align with Executive Order 14253.
OMB Memorandum (Exhibit A): The memorandum details critical shortcomings in the submission—such as missing digital files, incomplete programming and governance documents, and lack of designated points of contact—and sets a new deadline for full compliance by December 30, 2025.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” underscores a strong governmental interest in influencing the narrative presented by national cultural institutions like the Smithsonian. This could lead to increased scrutiny and demand for transparency in how history and culture are presented, potentially affecting academic freedom and the independence of scholarly research.
There is a risk of political pressure on educational and cultural institutions to align with a specific historical narrative. This could create conflicts for universities and scholars who may have diverse interpretations of history or who value academic independence.
The emphasis on a “positive view” of American history could potentially lead to conflicts regarding how history is taught and presented at educational institutions, including Vanderbilt University. This may require careful navigation to balance federal expectations with academic freedom.
Failure to comply with the Executive Order could result in financial repercussions, as funding for institutions may be contingent on adherence to the prescribed historical narrative. This introduces financial risks that could affect grants and collaborations.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s History Department may need to prepare for changes in how American history is discussed and taught, potentially requiring adjustments to curriculum and research focus.
The Center for Digital Humanities could face opportunities or pressures to collaborate on projects that align with federal narratives on American history, affecting research priorities and partnerships.
The Office of Federal Relations may play a crucial role in navigating compliance with federal requirements and ensuring that the university’s interests are represented in policy discussions.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development might see increased demand for expertise in educational policy and history education, possibly affecting research and training programs.

Financial Impact

The financial landscape may shift if federal funding becomes tied to compliance with the Executive Order, affecting grants and educational initiatives related to American history.
Vanderbilt University may need to strategically align certain projects or academic programs to ensure continued access to federal funds, potentially requiring adjustments in focus or partnerships.
Opportunities may arise to secure funding for research and initiatives that align with the federal emphasis on promoting a positive view of American history, which could necessitate strategic positioning and proposals.
There could be a potential risk to existing collaborations and partnerships if they are seen as non-compliant with the goals of the Executive Order, impacting financial agreements and joint projects.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a high risk involving potential major transformations in academic programs, partnerships, and financial strategies.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s History Department should align its research and public outreach efforts with the themes highlighted by the Executive Order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” This may involve organizing symposia or publishing research that emphasizes positive narratives of American history, potentially opening up new funding or partnership opportunities.
Office of University Relations should monitor the developments related to the Smithsonian’s compliance and engagement with the Executive Order. This could present opportunities to collaborate on shared initiatives or exhibitions that celebrate American achievements, enhancing the university’s visibility.
The Vanderbilt Center for Arts and Humanities can explore potential collaborations with the Smithsonian for exhibitions or educational programs, particularly those that will be part of the America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Development Office should consider outreach to donors interested in supporting initiatives that align with the patriotic themes of the Executive Order, capitalizing on the national emphasis on American history.

Opportunities

The executive order offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt to highlight its own contributions to American history and culture, possibly by initiating projects or events that align with the national narrative of America as a positive force.
There may be grant opportunities linked to participating in national celebrations for the 250th anniversary, which Vanderbilt could leverage for funding specific research projects or public education initiatives.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to align with potential shifts in historical narrative emphasis and to capitalize on collaboration and funding opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 4

Timeline for Implementation

December 30, 2025 – As specified in Exhibit A for submission of a full and organized response.
January 13, 2025 – Noted in the letter as the latest acceptable date for receipt of complete materials.

The December 30, 2025 deadline represents the shortest timeline and indicates less than 30 days to comply, making the response urgent.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Smithsonian Institution: Required to provide comprehensive documentation on its exhibitions and internal processes as part of a compliance review, including governance records and programming details.
National Museum of American History: Specifically mentioned as needing to provide detailed materials concerning its America 250 exhibition.
National Museum of Natural History: Expected under the Smithsonian umbrella to comply with the documentation requests.
National Air and Space Museum: Named as one of the Smithsonian museums that must supply complete exhibition and governance records.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Included in the request for materials to verify transparency and accountability.
National Museum of the American Indian: Identified as one of the institutions from which detailed records are required.
Smithsonian American Art Museum: Tasked under the document production requirements to provide complete exhibition and internal process documentation.
National Museum of African Art: Also included as a unit that must adhere to the required record-keeping and transparency standards.
National Portrait Gallery: Mandated to submit comprehensive planning documents, budgets, and governance records.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Actively involved in monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance with the documentation requests as highlighted in Exhibit A.
Domestic Policy Council: Part of the White House apparatus directing oversight and compliance, as represented by its signatory involvement.
The White House: Through its executive correspondence and policy directives, it oversees the implementation of Executive Order 14253 and ensures funding and procedural adherence.

Relevance Score: 4 (Eleven to fifteen government organizations are impacted by the directives, including multiple Smithsonian museums and key federal oversight bodies.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary, Smithsonian Institution (Lonnie G. Bunch III) – Responsible for ensuring that the complete set of documents and related materials are produced as requested, including establishing a chain-of-custody protocol for tracking uploads.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect the head of the Smithsonian Institution, who is responsible for overseeing compliance and document production).