The Smithsonian Institution, a vast network encompassing 21 museums, the National Zoo, and around 157 million objects, receives over $1 billion annually in taxpayer funds. This funding has come under scrutiny with increasing debates over the institution’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its portrayal of American history.
President Donald Trump’s administration proposed budget cuts targeting the Smithsonian’s reliance on federal funding, highlighting it as a pressure point in broader reforms. A July 2026 report from the White House accused the Smithsonian of promoting DEI and liberal agendas. Fox News Digital noted that an exhibit called America 250 focused more on liberal figures and causes compared to conservative ones, which drew criticism for an apparent ideological imbalance.
Further controversy surrounded a museum training guide that associated objectivity and merit with “white dominant culture.” The Smithsonian apologized for this after facing public backlash. Lonnie Bunch III, Smithsonian Secretary, also faced criticism for asserting that DEI should be central to museum institutions. He reportedly received over $4.4 million in salary and benefits between 2020 and 2024.
The Trump administration pressured Secretary Bunch for records and organizational changes, resulting in a 162-page report calling for significant reforms. Despite receiving private funding and grants, the Smithsonian has depended heavily on taxpayer money in recent years.
Funding for the Smithsonian increased under the Biden administration, with requests rising from $960 million in 2019 to a record $1.24 billion in 2024. For fiscal year 2025, requests exceeded $1 billion, while the Trump administration proposed reducing it further for 2026 and 2027.
Most federal funding supports daily operations, with $524 million covering staff, security, facilities, and technology. An additional $310 million funds museum activities and research, while the rest covers building improvements, planning, and oversight.
The National Museum of Natural History leads the 2026 funding requests with $51 million, followed by the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Zoo, receiving $35 million and $34 million respectively. The National Museum of American History accounts for $27 million.
The debate over the Smithsonian’s funding reflects wider discussions on how American history is represented and supported by taxpayer dollars. The institution did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.