ISTANBUL

The White House has launched a sweeping review of eight Smithsonian Institution museums, aiming to "celebrate American exceptionalism" and remove "divisive or ideologically driven language," according to a letter sent Tuesday to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch.

The directive, signed by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought and two other senior aides, follows President Donald Trump's March executive order, which directed Vice President JD Vance, a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to oversee changes at the museums, including the removal of "improper ideology."

The review is being timed with next year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, according to a CBS News report.

"This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions," the White House letter stated.

Independence concerns

Initial targets include the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which was singled out in the order for allegedly promoting "race-centered ideology," as well as the Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Museums have been asked to provide exhibit content, plans, and collections information within 30 days, with "content corrections" expected within 120 days.

The Smithsonian reaffirmed its "deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history" in a statement to CBS News and said it would review the letter "with this commitment in mind" while working with the White House and Congress.

Democratic lawmakers have condemned the effort, warning it could undermine the Smithsonian’s independence.

"Unfortunately, we now stand at the brink of seeing the Smithsonian at its worst: shaped solely by the views and ideology of one individual as a means of expanding his political power," four Democratic members of the House Administration Committee wrote in an open letter.