The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a directive that may require the Smithsonian Institution to adjust its spending plans to align with President Donald Trump’s budget priorities. This directive, approved in May, stipulates that the Smithsonian must spend congressionally appropriated funds in a manner consistent with the FY 2026 President’s Budget to access those funds. The president's budget proposal differs significantly from the funding approved by Congress.
The OMB has also instructed the Smithsonian to provide a detailed request outlining each activity and the estimated federal obligation amount. Experts have noted that this directive places the Smithsonian in a challenging position, as it could lead to violations of federal laws if the institution does not comply with both OMB guidance and congressional appropriations.
A former appropriations expert, speaking anonymously, explained that the Smithsonian could face legal repercussions under the Antideficiency Act if it spends money not appropriated by Congress, while failing to follow OMB directives could lead to violations of the Impoundment Control Act. The OMB did not respond to requests for comment regarding this directive.
Andrew Mosely, director of the Smithsonian’s office of Planning, Management and Budget, referred inquiries about the budget to the press office, which also did not respond. The OMB's directive is seen as unusual and reflects a trend in which the administration seeks to influence how federal agencies allocate funds.
Experts have highlighted significant discrepancies between the funding approved by Congress for the Smithsonian and the amounts proposed in Trump’s budget. For instance, Congress allocated nearly $1 million more for Smithsonian salaries and expenses than what was requested in the president's budget. Additionally, Congress intended for specific museums, such as the National Museum of the American Latino and the Anacostia Community Museum, to receive substantial funding, which was not included in the president's proposal.
Congress has advised the OMB to allocate additional funding for various Smithsonian institutions beyond what the president requested. As of last week, the OMB had not fully apportioned the funding for the Smithsonian’s main operating account, according to a staffer for Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon). The staffer noted that the National Museum of the American Latino received full funding despite the president's budget not allocating any funds for it, suggesting that the reference to the president’s budget may not significantly impact Smithsonian funding for the current fiscal year.
