Federal Grants for Museums and Libraries Now Favor Projects Aligning with Trump’s “Vision for America”
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS),a crucial funding source for cultural institutions,is now explicitly encouraging applicants to tailor projects to align with former President Donald Trump’s political and ideological priorities,raising concerns about the politicization of American history and the independence of these trusted public spaces.
the IMLS, wich supports libraries and museums nationwide, is currently accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle.However, a significant departure from past practice, the agency is signaling a preference for projects that promote an “uplifting and positive” narrative of american history, echoing language from Trump-era executive orders.
In cover letters accompanying the applications, the IMLS “especially welcomes” projects that align with President Trump’s vision, citing executive orders that criticized the Smithsonian Institution for a “divisive, race-centered ideology” and called for an end to the “anti-Christian weaponization of government,”
The shift follows a period of turmoil at the agency. In 2020, nearly all of the agency’s 75 employees where placed on administrative leave, the board was fired, and previously awarded grants were rescinded – actions later reversed by court order.
Currently, the IMLS expects to award nearly 600 grants totaling over $78 million, ranging from $5,000 to $1 million. According to an agency spokesperson, publishing directors’ letters with grant applications is not unusual, and this one simply informs applicants of the management’s “thematic emphases.” However, critics argue that these letters inject political themes into a historically nonpartisan program.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, IMLS is working to revitalize our cultural institutions, urging less traditional applicants to consider working with us, and to promote civic pride and a deep sense of belonging among all Americans,” the spokesperson stated, adding that projects meeting the outlined requirements will undergo peer review. The agency has not clarified how alignment with Trump’s executive orders will be factored into the selection process.
Established in 1996, the IMLS is the primary federal source of support for libraries and museums, promoting community engagement, public access to information, and the preservation of collections. The agency’s grant programs, including one named after former First Lady Laura Bush, are vital for institutions across the country.
Former agency leaders from both parties expressed concern that the new guidelines could lead to a distorted view of American history. Leaders of the American Historical Association, the American Library Association, and the American Alliance of museums echoed these concerns, warning of potential uncertainty and scrutiny for institutions accepting the funds.
“They’re wondering, is accepting the grant a sign that they accept the executive orders that have been laid out here?” asked Sarah Weicksel, the American Historical Association’s executive director. Institutions are also worried about potential investigations similar to those faced by 52 universities over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Adding to the concerns is the agency’s reduced staffing levels and budget. The current $112 million budget is roughly a third of recent funding levels, and the agency has requested support for only 13 full-time employees. While former officials remain hopeful that the remaining staff can maintain quality project selection, questions remain about the agency’s capacity to process applications effectively.
Even Crosby Kemper III, a conservative Republican appointed by Trump to lead the agency in 2019, criticized the current approach. While acknowledging a need for course correction in the library and museum fields,he believes the current administration’s actions are counterproductive. “All these Trump executive orders…are just extensions of his own animus towards anybody who disagrees with him,” Kemper stated, calling the guidelines “horrific” and the desire for a specific historical narrative a “whitewashed story.”
The actions by the IMLS raise serious First Amendment concerns, according to legal experts. “People should know that the government is using its funding as a way of essentially coercing a different presentation of American history,” said Patty Gerstenblith, a distinguished research professor of Law at DePaul University. The situation underscores the importance of public awareness regarding the administration’s efforts to shape institutions essential to the nation’s culture and understanding of its past.
