July 28, 2026 1:01PM 

# To Resolve the Smithsonian Controversy, End Government Support 

By [Jeffrey Miron](https://www.cato.org/people/jeffrey-miron) 

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President Trump has issued an [executive order](https://abcnews.com/Politics/trump-ramps-attacks-smithsonian-executive-action-ordering-new/story?id=135115121) that requires the Smithsonian Institution to post

> new “temporary exhibits or signage” … outside the National Museum of American History (NMAH), “warning” visitors about “the Ideological Capture” of the museum.
> 
> The “ideological capture” is a reference to allegations that the White House made against leaders … [in a blistering July 4 report](https://abcnews.com/Politics/scathing-report-white-house-accuses-smithsonian-presenting-radical/story?id=134515705)\[,\] … accusing the museum and its leaders of presenting “a radical view of American history.”

The Smithsonian, naturally, disagrees with the administration’s characterization. Is there a way to resolve this debate? Yes, by eliminating government funding and oversight of the Smithsonian. No “market failure” justifies such intervention; the private sector can and does [supply](https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/donate/how-to-give/become-a-donor/) [museums](https://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/WWII_2023-Annual-Report_Digital.pdf)[ ](https://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.nationalww2museum.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/WWII_2023-Annual-Report_Digital.pdf)when demand is sufficient.

Some might believe government control of history promotes the “right” view. That is precisely the negative of government support.

*Cross-posted from* [*Substack*](https://jeffreymiron.substack.com/)*.*

##### Related Tags 

[Free Speech and Civil Liberties](https://www.cato.org/free-speech-civil-liberties), [Libertarianism](https://www.cato.org/libertarianism) 

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