Trump demands Smithsonian replace ‘strange modernist’ sculpture that ‘inspires no one’ with 30-foot-tall ‘Washington Colossus’

President Trump has called on the Smithsonian Institution to install a 30-foot-tall statue of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., replacing an existing abstract sculpture. The proposal was outlined in posts on Truth Social on September 11, 2026, as part of broader suggestions for commemorating the first president ahead of the 300th anniversary of his birth in 2032.

In the posts, Trump requested that the Smithsonian first install an 11-foot Washington statue previously displayed at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix Race into the museum’s Flag Hall, with a dedication planned for Constitution Day on September 17, 2026. He further directed the creation of a five-year exhibition focused on Washington’s life, actions, and role in the founding period. Once prepared, the larger 30-foot statue would be placed at the location currently occupied by the sculpture titled “Infinity.”

The “Infinity” sculpture, designed by abstract artist Jose de Rivera, was installed in 1967. It was the first modern artwork commissioned by the U.S. government for the National Mall through the Art and Architecture Program, according to museum records. The piece consists of a rotating stainless-steel form mounted on a pedestal.

Trump stated that the existing sculpture does not convey information about American history or figures and proposed the Washington statue as an alternative that would represent the nation’s founding. He also noted that the museum had not included references to specific events such as Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776, or the subsequent battle at Trenton in its current displays during the 250th anniversary period of American independence.

The statements coincide with the announced retirement of Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III. Trump’s posts referenced prior institutional initiatives, including a Center for Restorative History and a decolonization plan, and called for their replacement with a Center for American Heroes. The proposed center would focus on individuals who addressed challenges, contributed to national development, defended the country, or advanced its founding principles, according to the posts.

Trump described one existing museum exhibit covering the period from 1492 to 1776 as referring to European settlement as the “Great Unsettling” and stated that such framing indicated a need for adjustments in how historical content is presented. He emphasized that museum leadership should prioritize accounts of national history that are presented fairly, accurately, and in sequence, beginning with Washington.

The National Museum of American History has not issued a response to the specific requests as of the date of the posts. The proposals remain under consideration by the institution, which operates under congressional authorization and receives federal funding.