Title: Four Democratic Senators Stand Up to White House Attempts to Bully Smithsonian Institution In an era where political tensions are at an all-time high, it’s heartening to see four Democratic senators stand up against the bullying tactics of the White House. In a letter sent to Lonnie G. Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and three other Senate Democrats urged Bunch to resist any attempts by the White House to “bully the institution to go against its mission and values.” This comes after President Trump criticized the Smithsonian and museums across the country for presenting a narrative of American history that he deemed as too ‘woke.’ In his Truth Social post, Trump claimed that these institutions focus on the negative aspects of our nation’s past, such as slavery and downtrodden successes. He also expressed disappointment in their lack of emphasis on positive achievements and future prospects. In response to this criticism, the White House released an unsigned memo last month specifically targeting 22 exhibitions, live programs, and other materials at the Smithsonian. The memo was titled “President Trump Is Right About The Smithsonian.” However, some of these exhibits were temporary and are no longer on display. The four senators who co-authored this letter have strong ties to the institution: Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), both current members of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, and Sen. Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-Ore.), who is the ranking member of an appropriations subcommittee that holds jurisdiction over the Smithsonian’s federal funding. This letter serves as a powerful reminder that our institutions should not be bullied into changing their mission or values to appease political agendas. The significance of this event lies in its potential impact on future interactions between government bodies and cultural institutions like museums and galleries. It highlights the importance of maintaining independence while still engaging with policymakers, ensuring that our history remains a reflection of truth rather than politics. In conclusion, it’s crucial for us to support these senators in their efforts to protect the integrity of our nation’s cultural institutions. We must ensure that they continue to provide accurate and unbiased information about our past without fear of political retribution or manipulation.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5529369/smithsonian-trump-senators)
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