💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
The Smithsonian Institution has drawn increased attention to its federal funding structure as the Trump administration challenges how the sprawling complex allocates nearly $1 billion in annual taxpayer dollars. The institution, which operates 21 museums, the National Zoo and houses approximately 157 million objects and specimens, has become a focal point in debates over how American history is presented and funded by the government.
A White House report released in July 2026 raised concerns about the Smithsonian’s institutional priorities, citing examples of what critics characterized as ideological imbalances in exhibits and programming. The America 250 exhibition featured roughly three times as many items highlighting liberal figures and causes compared to conservative ones, according to analyses by Fox News Digital.
Budget requests submitted during the Biden administration showed increasing appropriations, climbing from $960 million in fiscal 2019 to a peak of $1.24 billion in fiscal 2024. Under the Trump administration’s proposed budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, funding requests dropped below $1 billion for the first time since fiscal year 2020.
The bulk of federal appropriations support operational expenses rather than new exhibits, with roughly $524 million of the nearly $960 million fiscal 2026 request allocated to day-to-day operations including staff, security and facilities. An additional $310 million finances museum activity and research, while remaining funds support infrastructure improvements and administrative oversight.
Individual museums receive varying levels of federal support, with the National Museum of Natural History commanding $51 million in the 2026 request, followed by the National Museum of the American Indian at approximately $35 million. The National Zoo receives about $34 million, while the National Museum of American History accounts for $27 million in proposed taxpayer funding.
More Stories
Faith Can Remain Steadfast Despite a World in Rapid Flux, Religious Leader Says
Volunteer Lawyers Step In as Thousands Face Immigration Court Without Legal Representation
Colorado Republican Nominee Assembles All-Marine Ticket to Counter Socialist Gains