The Trump administration on Thursday scolded the Smithsonian Institution for not turning over records it had demanded in August as it sought to begin a wide-ranging review of current and planned exhibitions.
In a letter to the Smithsonian secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch II, posted online by the White House, the administration said that, while the institution submitted some materials in September, they were “notably incomplete.” The letter set a new deadline for the rest to be submitted by no later than Jan. 13.
“While we appreciate receiving the initial document production, that submission fell far short of what was requested, and the overwhelming majority of requested items remain outstanding,” said the letter, which was signed by Vince Haley, director of the Domestic Policy Council, and Russell T. Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
For months, the Smithsonian has tried to navigate how to protect its institutional authority in the face of the administration’s demands that it present a more uplifting view of American history.
The tension began building in March when Mr. Trump issued an executive order that took aim at what he described as a “revisionist movement” that “seeks to undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.”
Since then, the Smithsonian has said it is working with the White House, while also trying to assert its independence from the executive branch. It is governed by a 17-member Board of Regents that includes Democrats and Republicans and is overseen by Congress.
In August, the White House announced it sought the materials, including wall texts, websites and social media, “to assess tone, historical framing and alignment with American ideals.” Museums, it said, would be required to adjust any content that the administration found problematic.
In response to the White House demands, the Smithsonian agreed to set up a team to review materials that could be turned over to the White House, as requested, but to do so as an autonomous institution.
The letter sent Thursday suggested the delay in turning over materials had been unreasonable because the administration was not making “obscure archival requests.” It also mentioned that the federal funds, which account for 62 percent of the institution’s budget, “are only available for use in a manner consistent with” the March executive order by the president.
The officials emphasized that they were particularly concerned over whether the museum was prepared to present programming that conveys “a positive view of American history” as the Smithsonian prepares for the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“We wish to be assured,” the letter said, “that none of the leadership of the Smithsonian museums is confused about the fact that the United States has been among the greatest forces for good in the history of the world.”
A spokesman for the Smithsonian declined to comment.
Robin Pogrebin contributed.
Graham Bowley is an investigative reporter covering the world of culture for The Times.
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