Trump asks Smithsonian to install ‘Colossus statue’ of George Washington with exhibit
Trump, again trying to curate museum, says exhibit would stay until 2032 for 300th anniversary of Washington’s birth Donald Trump asked the Smithsonian Institution to install a 30ft “Colossus statue” of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History, and a special exhibit honoring the nation’s first president, in a social media post late on Friday. The president requested that…
Former President Donald Trump has requested the Smithsonian Institution to install a 30-foot "Colossus statue" of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History. The exhibit, commemorating the 300th anniversary of Washington's birth, would remain in place until February 2032. Trump referred to Washington as "America's Greatest Hero" and argued that the nation's freedoms would cease to exist without him.
The statue would replace the current Infinity sculpture by New York artist José de Rivera, which was installed in 1967. Trump's request reflects his desire to curate the nation's national museum, as his administration has previously accused the museum of focusing too much on social justice and division. Trump has also accused the Smithsonian of neglecting important events in Washington's life, such as his crossing of the Delaware River and victory at Trenton.
However, it is unclear whether Trump has the authority to order the museum to make these changes, as the Smithsonian operates independently, overseen by a board of regents.
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