US President Donald Trump has requested the Smithsonian Institution to install statues of George Washington as part of his ongoing efforts to influence how American history is presented at the federally funded museum complex. The move reflects Trump’s broader campaign against what he describes as “woke” cultural narratives, which he claims have distorted the portrayal of American heritage on issues related to race and gender.

In a statement issued on Friday, Trump called for the installation of a nine-meter “Colossus statue” of Washington, the nation’s founding father and first president, at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. He also proposed a five-year exhibition dedicated to Washington's legacy, running through February 22, 2032, which would mark the 300th anniversary of the former president's birth.

Additionally, Trump expressed interest in displaying a three-meter statue of Washington that was recently featured at the Freedom 250 IndyCar motor race in the museum’s Flag Hall. He described Washington as "easily America’s Greatest Hero," emphasizing Washington’s central role in shaping the United States and its freedoms.

The Smithsonian Institution, which manages 21 museums and galleries across the United States, has been a focal point of controversy amid ongoing cultural debates. A 162-page report released by the White House criticized Smithsonian leadership for allegedly marginalizing white Americans, males, Christians, and traditional American values in its educational content and programming. The report contended that the institution had distorted historical narratives in a way that undermines certain groups.

Established by the federal government in 1846, the Smithsonian holds a unique operational status. While it is federally funded, it functions independently and is not part of any governmental branch. The institution’s leadership has not publicly responded to Trump’s recent requests.

Trump’s appeal to commemorate Washington in prominent ways at the Smithsonian fits within a larger political discourse surrounding national identity and how history is portrayed in public institutions. The administration’s criticism of the Smithsonian aligns with similar critiques targeting museums and educational initiatives across the country, where debates over historical interpretation remain highly contentious.