The Push to Revise American History at the Smithsonian
The Daily
09/03/25
•27m
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In the last few weeks, the Trump administration has turned its sights on the Smithsonian, the latest target in a campaign to remake cultural institutions in its image.
Officials are trying to change exhibits at the center of the country’s culture wars and reshape American history at one of the largest museum complexes in the world.
Robin Pogrebin, who covers cultural institutions for The Times, discusses the clash over who gets to tell the American story.
Guest: Robin Pogrebin, a New York Times culture reporter who covers cultural institutions, the art world and architecture.
Background reading:
- The White House announced a comprehensive review of Smithsonian exhibitions.
- The Trump administration’s plan to, in effect, audit the content of Smithsonian museums drew criticism from groups that represent scholars and promote free speech.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press
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Guest: Andrew Ross Sorkin , a columnist and the founder and editor at large of DealBook, which publishes the flagship business and policy newsletter of The New York Times.
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- Intel agreed to sell a 10 percent stake in its business to the U.S. government.
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For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Jason Henry for The New York Times
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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