Mary Trump Warns Uncle's Latest Moves Pose 'Unique Threat' to US Future

Mary Trump, niece of former President Donald Trump, has warned that her uncle’s latest move targeting U.S. cultural institutions could pose a “unique threat” to the nation’s future.

This week, Donald Trump launched a review of several Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. The stated goal is to “celebrate American exceptionalism” and remove what the White House calls “divisive or partisan narratives.” This follows an executive order he signed in March called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which critics argue risks undermining the independence of museums by pushing partisan agendas.

Mary Trump, who has long been a vocal critic of her uncle, expressed her concerns in a recent Substack post. She described the initiative as part of a broader pattern, comparing it to earlier attacks on scientific and medical expertise. In her words:

“The arts are the most important mirror of and way into understanding a society and a culture. Transforming the Smithsonian into an agency of propaganda is grotesque.”

The White House insists the review is meant to strengthen, not weaken, the Smithsonian’s mission. A letter sent to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch emphasized that the effort would be “collaborative” and focused on “uplifting and inclusive portrayals of America’s heritage.” The review is set to cover major museums including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Air and Space Museum, among others.

Supporters of the review, such as Stephen Miller, argue that Smithsonian exhibits have been taken over by “left-wing activists” who present America in a negative light. He claims the Trump administration’s changes will restore “patriotic glory” and make the museums once again a source of pride for American families.

Opponents, however, see it very differently. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the move, writing, “If you’re trying to erase history, you’re on the wrong side of it.” Representative Ayanna Pressley went further, calling the plan an attack on intellectual freedom and an attempt to whitewash history by minimizing the struggles and achievements of women, people of color, and Native Americans.

The White House has already set a timeline: within 120 days, Smithsonian staff are expected to start replacing what it deems “divisive” or “ideologically driven” language in exhibits with “unifying, historically accurate” alternatives.

This debate raises a larger question: should cultural institutions remain independent from politics, or do leaders have a right to reshape them in line with their vision of the nation?