The US government shutdown has reached a new low, impacting the nation's cultural heart. As the political stalemate persists, the renowned Smithsonian Institution, a beacon of American history and culture, has been forced to close its doors, leaving a gaping hole in the country's cultural landscape.
With the federal government shutdown entering its third week, the Smithsonian, a sprawling network of 21 museums, the National Zoo, and 14 research facilities, has ceased operations. This closure, effective from Saturday, October 11th, is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of political gridlock.
The Smithsonian, a cherished American institution, attracts millions of visitors annually. Its museums, including the iconic National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, are among the most visited in the US capital. The institution's funding, totaling $1.09 billion in fiscal year 2024, is largely dependent on appropriations from the US Congress, accounting for approximately 53% of its overall budget.
But here's where it gets controversial: The shutdown comes amid growing tensions between the Smithsonian and President Donald Trump. Since his return to power, Trump has taken aim at the institution's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Smithsonian swiftly complied with an executive order banning federally funded organizations from pursuing DEI programs, a move that sparked debate.
And this is the part most people miss: In May, Trump attempted to fire Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian. Sajet resigned two weeks later, leaving the institution in a state of flux. The White House then initiated a review of curatorial and operational processes at eight Smithsonian museums, accusing the institution of focusing excessively on the country's historical wrongs.
In a surprising turn, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, after a lunch meeting with Trump, announced that the institution would conduct its own internal audit rather than adhere to the White House's demands. This decision has sparked further controversy, with some praising the Smithsonian's independence and others questioning its defiance of the executive order.
As the shutdown continues, the future of these cultural institutions remains uncertain. The closure not only affects visitors but also has a profound impact on the research and conservation efforts carried out by the Smithsonian. The question remains: How long will these iconic museums remain closed, and what will be the lasting effects of this political impasse on America's cultural heritage?
