Trump Asks Smithsonian to Replace Sculpture with George Washington Statue, Exhibit

President Donald Trump called on the Smithsonian Institution to replace the "Infinity" sculpture outside the National Museum of American History with a 30-foot statue of George Washington.

In social media posts late Friday, Trump stated the "Infinity" sculpture, installed in 1967, says nothing about America, while Washington more than anyone else, says everything about America. Trump also requested the museum open a five-year exhibition honoring Washington, running through February 22, 2032, which marks the 300th anniversary of the first president’s birth. Additionally, he asked the Smithsonian to install an 11-foot statue of Washington in the museum’s Flag Hall by Constitution Day on September 17.

This 11-foot statue was featured at the recent Freedom 250 Grand Prix race. "Infinity," created by New York artist José de Rivera, was commissioned by the federal government. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Smithsonian's presentation of American history, particularly during the country's 250th anniversary. Trump asserted that Washington is easily America’s Greatest Hero and that without him, their Country and their Freedoms wouldn’t exist.

He claimed the museum has failed to give George Washington and their other Founding Fathers the celebration they deserve. Trump also criticized the Smithsonian for focusing overwhelmingly on those who have been oppressed rather than those who triumphed over great oppression. It remains unclear whether Trump can order the Smithsonian to make these changes. The institution operates outside the executive branch and is overseen by a Board of Regents, which includes Vice President JD Vance, Chief Justice John Roberts, lawmakers from both parties, and citizen members.