Trump urges Smithsonian to replace modern sculpture with George Washington statue
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
President Donald Trump has asked the Smithsonian to remove the "Infinity" sculpture at the National Museum of American History and install a large George Washington statue, proposing a multi-year exhibition on the founding president.
President Donald Trump posted on social media urging the Smithsonian Institution to replace the "Infinity" sculpture, which has stood outside the National Museum of American History since 1967, with a 30-foot statue of George Washington. He also called for a five-year exhibition honoring Washington to run through Feb. 22, 2032, the 300th anniversary of the president’s birth, and for an 11-foot Washington statue to be placed in the museum’s Flag Hall by Constitution Day on Sept. 17.
"Immediately design and display a five-year exhibition worthy of the Life, Sacrifice, and Contributions of George Washington," Trump wrote.
"Then, as soon as it is ready, install a 30-foot Washington Colossus where ‘Infinity’ stands today," he added.
The "Infinity" sculpture was created by artist José de Rivera and commissioned by the federal government in 1967. The Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch and is overseen by a Board of Regents that includes officials from both parties.
Trump has previously criticized the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history, arguing that it gives insufficient attention to Washington and other Founding Fathers. He suggested replacing the museum’s Center for Restorative History with a "Center for American Heroes" to focus on stories of individuals who "defended our Country" and "made America better."
The Smithsonian has not responded to requests for comment. The institution’s Board of Regents has affirmed its commitment to nonpartisan scholarship while acknowledging the need to ensure unbiased content. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced he will step down at the end of the year.