The Trump administration threatens to cut federal funding for Smithsonian, unhappy with the way the museums present the history of slavery.

The administration of President Donald Trump has threatened to cut funding for federal agencies for the Smithsonian, marking a new escalation of tensions with this institution. A letter signed by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and the Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Vince Haley claims that the agencies cannot continue to support the Smithsonian under the current leadership, accusing it of an excessive focus on the history of slavery.

The Smithsonian, a vast complex dedicated to American history and culture, includes 21 museums and a zoo.

Trump's criticisms have been condemned by historians and civil rights advocates, who believe that they risk undermining the recognition of significant milestones in U.S. history.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch dismissed the accusations of "anti-Americanism" and emphasized that diversity initiatives are essential for addressing historical inequalities.

The letter was revealed by The Atlantic magazine.