Vacancies on the Smithsonian Institution's governing Board of Regents have gone unfilled for a month, as the traditional appointment process has slowed amid efforts by the Trump administration to exert greater influence over the institution. Two citizen trustees, John Fahey and Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, concluded their terms on the 17-member board on March 2.

While the Regents reportedly agreed on their replacement candidates during a meeting last year, these names have not been forwarded to the Committee on House Administration, which typically handles such nominations. Congressional approval and a presidential sign-off are required for appointments to the board, which consists of six members of Congress, nine citizens, the vice president, and the chief justice, who serves as chancellor.

A year ago, President Trump issued Executive Order 14253, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which criticized the Smithsonian for promoting "narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive." The order directed Vice President JD Vance to collaborate with the House speaker and Senate majority leader, both Republicans, to seek the appointment of citizen members committed to its policy objectives. This push for board changes is part of a broader administration initiative to align the Smithsonian with Mr. Trump's agenda.

The White House has also sought internal records from the institution regarding content, plans, and decision-making across eight of its 21 museums. Historically, the Smithsonian has operated independently of the executive branch, with trustee transitions typically occurring without political intervention since its establishment in 1846.

Samuel J. Redman, a history professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, described the situation as "a surprising development" that could lead to "an important delay in terms of getting things done down the line."

The current delays could worsen as more board seats approach expiration. Trustee Denise O’Leary's term is set to conclude next week, and if no action is taken by Congress, the board will be down three members. Franklin D. Raines's term, along with those of two other Regents, is slated to expire in the fall, potentially leaving five vacancies.

Smithsonian officials declined to comment on the appointment process or offer an explanation for the delays. Spokeswoman Julissa Marenco stated that the appointments are directed by the board, which also declined comment. White House spokesman Davis Ingle declined to address the specific issue of appointments but reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to seeking changes, stating that a review of museums and exhibitions aims to "ensure alignment with President Trump’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism" and support "historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of America’s heritage."

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, appointed by the board, has generally received its backing. In January, facing a White House ultimatum over records and potential budget cuts, Mr. Bunch emailed staff to reassert the institution's independence while confirming additional materials had been submitted for transparency. Last month, speaking at the New York Historical museum, Bunch emphasized the need to "fight like hell for history."

Approximately 62 percent of the Smithsonian's $1 billion annual budget comes from federal sources. The Office of Management and Budget has stated that these funds must be spent in line with the president's agenda. Although the Trump administration proposed a 12 percent cut to the Smithsonian’s fiscal year 2026 budget, Congress maintained the institution’s federal funding. The administration's focus on scrutinizing the Smithsonian reportedly eased after the president shifted attention to other issues, and a key White House aide tasked with the review was reassigned.