Message from the Secretary

Secretary Bunch responds to a White House letter announcing a comprehensive review of Smithsonian exhibitions, programming, and collections.

Earlier today [August 12], we received a letter from the White House about reviewing Smithsonian content, particularly tied to our programming for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

As you all know through your work every day, what the Smithsonian does is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history. All content, programming, and curatorial decisions are made by the Smithsonian, and as we have previously shared, there is an ongoing internal and institution-wide review to ensure clarity, accuracy, and fact-based content.

We are reviewing the letter with our mission and commitments in mind, and we will continue to collaborate constructively as we have always done with the White House, Congress, and our governing Board of Regents. Currently, our team is hard at work planning for the 250th anniversary, and I look forward to the great opportunities to work with our colleagues across the government to celebrate this monumental event.

Thank you for all your ongoing work in furtherance of our mission.