The Trump Administration's Impact on the Arts So Far

The members worked closely with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services and conducted major research and cultural policy analysis. 

Acting as an advisory board, the PCAH advocated for the support and funding of the arts, thus further enhancing the United States’ “investments in its cultural life.” 

Though information on the PCAH’s official government site can no longer be accessed, an anonymous committee member shared their mission statement with Hyperallergic just a few days after the disbandment. The group was born out of “the fundamental belief that creativity, diversity, and democracy are intrinsically bound, and that the arts and the humanities can be a powerful force for social change.”

The committee’s demise occurred alongside the retraction of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives across all government-funded institutions, including museums. Though it is unclear what consequences will follow noncompliance, some major museums have already made the cuts. 

Just last week, the National Gallery of Art shut down its Office of Belonging and Inclusion and removed the keywords “diversity” and “inclusion” from their core values. The Smithsonian, comprised of 21 different museums, followed suit shortly after, closing its diversity offices and removing related resources on their website.

In defiance of the controversial order, other organizations— such as The Getty and the High Museum– have announced that they have no plans of terminating any DEI services in the near future. 

During his first term, Trump signed an executive mandate to promote “beautiful” and “classical” architecture for all federal buildings, steering away from the modern brutalist style. This time around, the President signed a similar declaration, one that was shorter and with less aesthetic specifications. 

Trump is giving the General Services Administration 60 days to review its architectural policymaking, with an emphasis on incorporating the public’s opinion into the decision-making process.

Another renewed order under Trump’s reign is the hope for creating a “Heroes Sculpture Garden,” curated by the President himself. Trump has already stated the sculptures would depict historical figures such as Davy Crockett, Billy Graham, Whitney Houston, Harriet Tubman, and Antonin Scalia. 

Only a few weeks into this new presidency and years to go, we shall see what other changes the Trump administration has in store for the arts community.