President Donald Trump called for the Smithsonian Institution to install a 30-foot-tall statue of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History (NMAH). In social media posts late Friday, September 11, 2026, the president requested that the monument replace the "Infinity" sculpture, a work that has stood at the site since 1967. The president also proposed a new exhibit dedicated to the first U.S. president intended to run until 2032 and the installation of an 11-foot statue of Washington in the museum's Flag Hall.
The proposal follows a series of disputes between the Trump administration and Smithsonian leadership. A White House report published in July 2026 criticized the NMAH's presentation of U.S. history, and the president subsequently ordered the installation of signage stating that some exhibits did not align with the administration's perspective. In September 2026, the administration threatened to reduce federal agency cooperation with the museum complex, and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, that he would step down by the end of the year.
President Trump stated on Truth Social that the current "Infinity" sculpture "tells visitors nothing about America" and requested that the new statues and exhibit be ready for the 300th anniversary of Washington’s birth in 2032. He requested that the 11-foot statue—previously featured at the Freedom 250 IndyCar race—be dedicated by September 17, which is Constitution Day. Additionally, the president suggested that the museum's "Center for Restorative History" initiative be replaced by a "Center for American Heroes."
The president's request includes a 30-foot "colossus" exterior statue and a five-year special exhibition intended to run until February 22, 2032. While the president has requested changes, the Smithsonian is governed by a Board of Regents, which includes Vice President JD Vance, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, and bipartisan members of Congress. It is not yet known if the executive branch has the legal authority to order the removal of existing art or the installation of new monuments at the museum.
The proposed changes would alter the exterior landmarks and curated content regarding the nation's founding. It also follows direct executive intervention in the decisions of national cultural institutions. Beyond the Smithsonian, this move is part of a broader administration effort to reshape the capital's landscape, which includes plans for a 250-foot victory arch and a statue park along the Potomac River. The next significant date is September 17, 2026, the president's suggested deadline for the Flag Hall statue installation.