Federal Funding Without Federal Control: The Smithsonian's Unique Autonomy
The Smithsonian Institution maintains significant autonomy, making independent curatorial decisions despite federal funding. Its unique operational model ensures freedom from direct government control, preserving academic integrity.
Smithsonian removes mention of Trump in impeachment exhibit
Washington Examiner
Smithsonian Caves, Lets Trump Erase Impeachment to Avoid Tantrum
New York Magazine
Overview
- The Smithsonian Institution operates with substantial autonomy, making independent decisions regarding its operations and curatorial choices.
- Despite receiving federal funding from the U.S. government, the institution is not directly controlled by the executive branch or Congress.
- Recent actions concerning "Trump references" specifically underscore the Smithsonian's ability to make decisions without direct federal interference, highlighting its independence.
- This unique operational model allows the institution to preserve its integrity and academic freedom, ensuring separation from external political pressures and governmental directives.
- The Smithsonian's structure ensures that its exhibits and content reflect its own curatorial standards, rather than being influenced by governmental directives or external political pressures.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources subtly frame the story by immediately highlighting "concern that history was being whitewashed" regarding the Smithsonian's exhibit change. While presenting the museum's denial and explanation, the early introduction of this strong, unattributed sentiment shapes the initial perception, emphasizing a narrative of potential political interference before fully detailing the museum's stated reasons for the placard's removal.
"The White House did not pressure the Smithsonian to remove references to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments from an exhibit and will include him in an updated presentation 'in the coming weeks,' the museum said Saturday."
Chicago Tribune"The museum explained on Aug. 1 in a statement to USA TODAY that the references to Donald Trump's impeachments, which occurred in 2019 and again in 2021, were part of a "temporary label.""
USA TODAY"The decision to remove the Trump label drew criticism from lawmakers, particularly as Trump has sought to exert his influence over the Smithsonian, which encompasses 21 museums, nine research centers and a zoo."
NBC News"The museum on Saturday did not say when in the coming weeks the new exhibit will be ready."
Associated Press"The Smithsonian said the references will be restored once the exhibit is updated, but did not provide a timeline."
NPR"The Smithsonian Institution has removed from an exhibit a reference to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments, a decision that comes as the White House exerts pressure to offer a more positive — and selective — view of American history."
Associated PressArticles (16)
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FAQ
The Smithsonian operates as an independent federal trust instrumentality managed by a Board of Regents, allowing it to make independent curatorial and operational decisions without direct control from the executive branch or Congress, preserving its academic and operational freedom while receiving federal funds.
Approximately two-thirds of the Smithsonian's annual operating funds come from federal appropriations, while the remaining one-third is generated from private sources such as gifts, endowments, grants, and revenue-generating activities.
The Board of Regents, including government officials and citizens, oversees the Smithsonian’s administration, appointing the Secretary who manages the institution, thereby facilitating autonomous governance separate from direct government control.
Its unique operational model ensures that exhibits and content reflect Smithsonian’s own curatorial standards, allowing it to resist external political pressures and governmental directives, thus preserving the institution's integrity and academic freedom.
In fiscal year 2024, the Smithsonian received approximately 1.09 billion U.S. dollars in federal appropriations, representing a slight decline from previous years but still constituting a major portion of its funding.
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