The Smithsonian Institution, one of the largest cultural institutions in the United States, announced on Tuesday that it would be closing its diversity office and requiring workers to return to in-person work. This decision was made in response to recent orders from President Trump, who signed an executive order this month describing the Biden administration's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as "illegal and immoral discrimination programs."

The Smithsonian's announcement came after the National Gallery of Art in Washington, which recently mounted a rebranding campaign that focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, announced that it was closing its office of belonging and inclusion. The order has led museums that receive significant government support to abruptly shift their policies to try to comply with the new rules from the White House.

The Smithsonian includes 21 museums across the country and receives nearly two-thirds of its $1 billion budget from the federal government. The organization also informed employees that it would freeze hiring for all federal positions.