Fri Aug 01 17:08:50 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective, acknowledging the source and intended audience:

**Summary**

In the United States, President Donald Trump, during his second term, is exerting increasing control over cultural institutions. This includes the removal of a label referencing his two impeachments from a Smithsonian exhibit. This action followed pressure from the White House and a content review agreement. Trump has also moved to slash funding for the arts, humanities, and the National Park Service, while accusing institutions like the Smithsonian and Kennedy Center of promoting divisive ideologies. He signed an executive order aimed at restoring the Smithsonian to a perceived traditional role and has appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center, replacing its board members.

**News Article**

**The Hindu: Trump Administration Tightens Grip on US Cultural Institutions Amidst Ideological Battle**

*Washington D.C., August 1, 2025, 10:38 PM IST* – President Donald Trump is intensifying his influence over key cultural institutions in the United States, sparking concerns over academic freedom and historical representation.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History recently removed a label referencing President Trump’s two impeachments following White House pressure, The Washington Post reported. The controversial label, added in 2021, highlighted that Trump was the only US President to be impeached twice. It has been replaced with an older version that only makes reference to three Presidents having seriously faced removal.

This action is part of a broader pattern of intervention. Since beginning his second term, President Trump has taken steps to defund arts and humanities programmes, and cut the National Park Service’s budget.

In March, Trump issued an executive order, accusing the Smithsonian of being influenced by a “divisive, race-centered ideology.” The order instructs Vice President J.D. Vance, a member of the Smithsonian’s board, to collaborate with Congress to prohibit funding for exhibits promoting ideologies deemed inconsistent with American values.

Furthermore, the President has targeted the John F. Kennedy Center, accusing it of being overly “woke,” dismissing its board members, and installing himself as chairman.

These moves are raising concerns about the politicization of cultural heritage and the potential impact on academic integrity. For many observers in India, familiar with similar debates around history and national identity, the situation highlights the ongoing struggle to define national narratives and the role of historical institutions in shaping public discourse. It remains to be seen how this will affect the wider American cultural landscape and its relationship with global audiences.

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