Trump urges Smithsonian to install George Washington statue and exhibit

President Donald J. Trump posted a series of social‑media messages on late Friday urging the Smithsonian Institution to replace the “Infinity” sculpture that currently stands outside the National Museum of American History (NMAH) with a 30‑foot‑tall statue of George Washington. Trump also called for the museum complex to open a dedicated exhibit honoring the founding father. The posts were brief and did not include a formal request letter, but they were widely shared on the president’s official accounts.

The “Infinity” statue, a contemporary installation that has been a fixture at the museum’s entrance since 2016, is described by the Smithsonian as a symbol of modern American innovation. In contrast, the proposed Washington monument would be a large, bronze or stone likeness of the first president, positioned directly in front of the NMAH’s main entrance. The Smithsonian has not yet issued a statement regarding the feasibility of the request or any potential timeline for such a replacement or exhibit.

The proposal reflects a broader debate over how the Smithsonian curates its public spaces and the balance between contemporary art and historical figures. Whether the institution will consider Trump’s suggestion remains to be seen, but the request has already sparked discussion among museum officials, historians, and the public about the future of the museum’s iconic façade.