From Fox News · Stephen Sorace · · 1m 30s
Trump wants a 30-foot Washington on the Mall
The president gave the Smithsonian a deadline to swap a 1967 abstract sculpture for a colossal George Washington.
In brief
The president gave the Smithsonian a deadline to swap a 1967 abstract sculpture for a colossal George Washington. Trump is pushing the Smithsonian toward founder-centered history, but the institution answers to a Board of Regents, not the White House. Originally reported by Fox News.
Swap the sculpture
Trump wants the Smithsonian to pull the "Infinity" sculpture from outside the National Museum of American History and put a 30-foot George Washington there instead.
“install a 30-foot Washington Colossus where 'Infinity' stands today”
A five-year Washington show
He also asked for an exhibition on Washington's life running through Feb. 22, 2032, the 300th anniversary of the first president's birth.
“Immediately design and display a five-year exhibition worthy of the Life, Sacrifice, and Contributions of George Washington”
Constitution Day deadline
An 11-foot Washington statue, shown at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, should go in the museum's Flag Hall by Sept. 17.
What Infinity is
New York artist Jose de Rivera made the piece on federal commission and it has stood outside the museum since 1967. Trump says it "says nothing about America."
“says nothing about America”
He cannot just order it
The Smithsonian sits outside the executive branch, run by a Board of Regents that includes JD Vance, John Roberts, lawmakers from both parties and private citizens.
The Delaware crossing gripe
Trump singled out Washington's Christmas night river crossing in 1776 and the win at Trenton as history the museum shortchanges.
“He is easily America's Greatest Hero”
A longer campaign
A 2025 executive order targeted "divisive narratives," July brought signs warning visitors some exhibits are inaccurate, and Secretary Lonnie Bunch is leaving at year's end.
“can and must do more”
The takeaway
Trump is pushing the Smithsonian toward founder-centered history, but the institution answers to a Board of Regents, not the White House.
