What the National Gallery’s Closure Says About the Politics of Culture in America

At midnight on October 1, the U.S. government shut down after Congress failed to agree on a new public budget. This political impasse has immediate repercussions for cultural institutions, notably the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The museum announced on Instagram that as of October 5, it would “be temporarily closed and all programs will be canceled until further notice.” The uncertainty surrounding when it might reopen adds to the growing concerns about the intersection of politics and public funding for the arts.

The Smithsonian’s Temporary Resilience

In contrast to the National Gallery, the Smithsonian Institution has managed to keep its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo open through at least October 11. This temporary reprieve is made possible by leftover funds from the previous fiscal year. However, a notice on their website warns that if the shutdown extends beyond that date, all Smithsonian locations will close to the public. The looming question remains: how long can these reserves sustain operations, and will Congress allocate sufficient funds for the Smithsonian and other public museums in the upcoming year?

The Political Landscape and the Arts

Since returning to power in January, President Donald Trump has issued numerous executive orders that have significantly reshaped the U.S. legal and cultural landscape, particularly regarding public funding for the arts. While executive orders cannot override constitutional protections like freedom of speech, many of these measures have tested the limits of these principles. The Smithsonian has faced increasing scrutiny from the White House, which has criticized what it deems “woke” or “divisive” content in exhibitions. This scrutiny reflects a broader effort to control the nation’s cultural narrative.

Trump has accused the Smithsonian of portraying American and Western values as “inherently harmful and oppressive,” arguing that the institution’s curatorial approach reflects a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. This has led to a chilling atmosphere for artists and curators alike.

The Fallout: Resignations and Censorship

The pressure from the White House culminated in the resignation of Kim Sajet, the director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, on June 13, 2025. Her departure came after Trump publicly announced he was “terminating” her role, labeling her as “highly partisan.” This incident highlights the precarious position of cultural leaders in an increasingly politicized environment.

Trump’s administration has also sought to dismantle federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which have far-reaching implications for cultural institutions across the country. The narrative Trump aims to impose—rooted in a revivalist “Make America Great Again” myth—raises critical questions about whose history and identity are being prioritized.

Artists Responding to Censorship

In response to this climate of censorship and intimidation, artists have begun to withdraw from Smithsonian exhibitions. Amy Sherald, for example, canceled her upcoming show at the National Portrait Gallery after learning that her painting, Trans Forming Liberty, might be removed from the exhibition. Other artists, like Margarita Cabrera and Nicholas Galanin, have also pulled out of events, citing concerns over censorship and the lack of transparency in programming.

These actions reflect a broader resistance against the encroachment of political ideology into the arts. Artists are increasingly aware of the risks associated with an authoritarian turn in the national narrative, which threatens not only artistic expression but also the very fabric of cultural identity.

Historical Context: Museum Closures and Cultural Memory

The Smithsonian has a history of being at the center of national debates over cultural memory and artistic expression. Previous shutdowns, such as those during the Clinton and Obama administrations, serve as reminders of how political disputes can directly impact cultural institutions. The longest shutdown occurred during Trump’s previous administration, lasting thirty-five days in early 2019, when the Smithsonian was forced to close after short-term reserves ran out.

In contrast, cultural institutions in countries like France are often insulated from political turmoil. French museums, which depend on public funding, rarely close for political reasons, reflecting a national commitment to preserving culture as a marker of identity and continuity.

The Implications of Cultural Funding

In the U.S., national museums depend directly on the federal government for funding and governance, making them vulnerable to political shifts. This dependency raises critical questions about the role of art and history in American society. As museums navigate the complexities of funding and programming, they find themselves caught between courage and compliance in an increasingly polarized political climate.

The ongoing struggle for artistic freedom and cultural representation underscores the importance of safeguarding these institutions from political influence. As the national narrative continues to evolve, the future of American identity—and the arts—hangs in the balance.