United States President Donald Trump has accused the Smithsonian museums of focusing only on “horrible” themes, such as “how bad slavery was,” while his administration pushes a review of the institution’s exhibits for their level of “Americanism.”

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump claimed the Smithsonian is “OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our country is,” including “how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been.”

Last week, the White House ordered a review of several of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums and galleries. Trump said he has instructed lawyers “to go through the museums” and apply the same process his administration has been using with colleges and universities.

“This country cannot be WOKE, because WOKE IS BROKE,” Trump wrote.

The Organisation of American Historians (OAH) condemned the review, calling it “unprecedented” and warning that “no president has the legitimate authority to impose such a review.” The group added it was particularly troubling that the move coincides with preparations for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026.

The Smithsonian, though largely funded by Congress, maintains independence in decision-making. Among the museums under review is the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, which opened in 2016 with a ceremony led by then-President Barack Obama.

Freedom of expression group PEN America also criticised the review, calling it an attempt to “rewrite history” and warning of a betrayal of democratic traditions.

The push against the Smithsonian comes as Trump continues efforts to reshape US education and cultural institutions. His administration has threatened to cut federal funding for universities over issues including pro-Palestinian protests, transgender policies, climate programmes and diversity initiatives.

Recently, Columbia University agreed to pay $221m and Brown University $50m to settle government probes, while Harvard University has sued to stop the freezing of $2.3bn in federal funding.