Defending Independence: Democratic Senators Stand Up for Smithsonian's Mission and Values
A group of Democratic senators, including Sen. Alex Padilla, has written a letter to the Smithsonian Institution's secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch, urging the institution to resist pressure from the White House to alter its mission and values. This comes after President Trump criticized the Smithsonian and museums for presenting a negative narrative of the country's history. The White House also released a memo criticizing specific exhibitions at the Smithsonian, prompting the senators to defend the institution's independence and funding.
The senators emphasized that the Smithsonian is a national treasure and a public-private partnership managed independently as a federal trust, not under the President's unilateral control. They highlighted the institution's unique status and the trust responsibility assigned to the Smithsonian Board of Regents by Congress. The senators are committed to ensuring federal funds continue to support the institution's operations and programming.
Sen. Padilla stressed the importance of the Smithsonian's independence and its role in telling the full story of America, free from political interference. The Trump administration's plans to audit Smithsonian museums to align with the President's directive raised concerns about maintaining the institution's scholarship independent and non-partisan. The senators called for a transparent review process and close consultation with the Board of Regents and Congress.
In response to the White House's scrutiny, the Smithsonian has assembled a team to review the materials and information provided to the White House while upholding scholarly standards. The senators expect the review process to be conducted without political interference and for the institution to keep the Board and Congress informed. They also requested that any materials shared with the White House be provided to congressional oversight committees on a bipartisan basis.
The senators' letter underscores the importance of preserving the Smithsonian's autonomy and ensuring its commitment to knowledge dissemination remains unaffected by political pressures. The institution's role in celebrating American history and culture while acknowledging its complexities is crucial, and the senators are dedicated to safeguarding its mission and values.