The Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents is shrinking, with two members' terms expiring in March and no replacements announced. A third regent's term expires next week, with three more set to end in the autumn, and there are no concrete plans to fill these vacancies. The delay stems from a requirement for both Congress and the President to approve new members.
This governance vacuum occurs amid sustained political pressure from the Trump administration, which has issued executive orders aimed at removing "divisive, race-centred ideology" from the Smithsonian's exhibitions and programming. The administration's efforts have already led to the resignation of a key museum director and accusations of censorship, suggesting the appointment delays may be a strategic move to exert greater control over the institution's direction and content.