Donald Trump

Plans for Trump hotel in Belgrade collapse after Serbia’s culture minister indicted

Proposals to redevelop a former Yugoslav military headquarters into a branded luxury complex have been dropped following indictments of senior cultural officials

Philadelphia sues US Department of the Interior and National Park Service over removal of slavery exhibit

Lawsuit claims that the federal agency acted outside its purview in removing exhibit memorialising the enslaved people who lived in George Washington's home

US National Park Service removes slavery memorial at Philadelphia historic site

In accordance with a directive from president Trump, an exhibit detailing the lives and historical contexts of nine people enslaved by George Washington was dismantled

Museums and galleries in Minneapolis join citywide general strike in protest of Ice operations

In protest of federal immigration enforcement officers’ violent campaign in the city, hundreds of local business and organisations will shutter on 23 January

National Endowment for the Humanities awards $75.1m to 84 projects across the US

Among the grants is $2m for Grand Central Atelier, a small art school in Queens run by a vocal proponent of classical painting over the avant garde

Trump eyes site near National Mall for ‘Garden of American Heroes’

The location, although not yet official, would legally require the project to undergo a rigorous review process and receive congressional approval

Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery removes wall text mentioning Trump’s impeachments

The museum said the change of labels and portraits is in preparation for an overhaul of its popular permanent gallery “America’s Presidents”

‘Creative, provocative, controversial’: Truth Social ads for Nazi-owned art spark heated debate

The gallery behind the adverts has huge holdings of art associated with the Third Reich, and has loaned works to major museums

Trump pulls US out of international cultural property preservation centre and coalition of arts agencies

In a memo announcing the withdrawals, the president said the organisations ran “contrary to the interests of the United States”

Trump administration puts renewed pressure on Smithsonian to turn over materials for review

The White House has given the Smithsonian Institution until 13 January to provide a trove of materials about planning and procedures at eight of its museums

Diaryblog

Sweet Jesus—Trump auctions off a Christ painting made in ten minutes

Work was created live by Vanessa Horabuena at Mar-a-Lago New Year’s eve bash

Diaryblog

Puzzled presidents bring festive cheer to the White House

Lego-style puzzle portraits of Donald Trump and George Washington are part of the Christmas decorations overseen by Melania

Trump's name added to Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, despite legal questions

President Trump's latest step in his takeover of the revered performing arts venue involved a hasty change of title

Construction of Trump’s White House ballroom continues despite heritage body’s lawsuit

A federal judge has rejected attempt by National Trust for Historic Preservation to temporarily halt president’s pet construction project

Despite turmoil, the cultural plan to mark the 250th anniversary of the US is taking shape

After government shutdown and firing of organising committee leader, plans for shows and events advance

Plans for Trump Tower Belgrade ‘breach multiple laws’, architects’ union claims

The Union of Architects of Serbia has shared an open letter of concern regarding the demolition of Belgrade’s Generalštab Modernist Complex

Sculptor Alma Allen reportedly selected to represent US at 2026 Venice Biennale

After plans for a Robert Lazzarini presentation collapsed, another sculptor has reportedly been picked for the US Pavilion

How is Trump’s new visa regime impacting art world talent?

The cumbersome and hugely expensive system is complicating international hiring across the sector

‘Complete shock’: Trump tariffs upend decorative arts trade in US

Dealers are scaling back international purchases to avoid having to pay new import duties, some of which are set to rise to 50% in January 2026

Trump fires all members of fine arts commission that reviews construction projects in Washington, DC

The White House plans to install new Commission of Fine Arts members who “are more aligned with President Trump’s ‘America First’ policies”

Trump demolishes White House’s historic East Wing despite preservationists’ protests

One group called the sudden demolition “a collective loss” while another expressed concern the $300m ballroom that will replace the East Wing “will overwhelm the White House itself”

Activismfeature

Cultural resistance to Trump begins to form, with artists leading the charge

As president attempts to reshape US society, nationwide campaigns and protest projects are taking root

Leaderscomment

Comment | Executive odour: Trump’s fervour inspires more flag burning

Trump’s order attempting to criminalise the burning of the US flag has led to defiant actions from artists and activists

National Gallery of Art closes as US government shutdown continues

The Smithsonian’s museums in Washington, DC, and New York City will remain open for now

Trump fires members of group that advises National Endowment for the Humanities

All but four members of the National Council on the Humanities were informed via email that their positions had been terminated

US judge rules NEA’s review of ‘gender ideology’ in grant applications is unconstitutional

The National Endowment for the Arts' policy changes, made in response to one of Trump's executive orders, were found to violate the First Amendment

Nicholas Galanin pulls out of Smithsonian event, claiming censorship

The artist claims a symposium this weekend at the Smithsonian American Art Museum was made private, and guests were requested not to record it or post about it on social media

Smithsonian leader asserts ‘authority over our programming’ in letters to staff and Trump White House

Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Smithsonian’s secretary, wrote in a staff letter and another addressed to the White House that the institution will continue its internal review

Diaryblog

An eye for art: new US ambassador installs blue-chip collection at palatial UK residence

Warren Stephens has brought works by Cézanne, Renoir and Edgar Degas to London