Smithsonian poised to shutter museums Sunday as shutdown showdown persists
Share this @internewscast.com

The Smithsonian Institute announced on Saturday that its museums will close starting Sunday due to the ongoing government funding lapse.

“With the government shutdown in effect, Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will be closed from Sunday, Oct. 12,” the organization stated on the social media platform X. “We will provide updates on our operating status once the situation is resolved.”

“Our social media channels will primarily be used to communicate any changes in our operational status,” the post continues. “However, Smithsonian digital resources will still be accessible online during the closure.”

The National Zoo posted a similar message, prompting questions from users on how the animals would be taken care of during the shutdown.

The official statement reassured, “Rest assured, all animals at the Zoo and at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, will continue to receive care and feeding. The shutdown will not impact our dedication to staff safety or the high standards of animal care.”

A significant 62 percent of the Smithsonian’s budget comes from federal funding. Although the shutdown commenced on Oct. 1, the institution had enough reserves to remain operational until Oct. 11.

The organization manages 17 museums and the National Zoo in Washington, two museums in New York City, and eight research centers, including an astrophysical observatory at Harvard University and a marine station in Fort Pierce, Florida.

With senators unable to breach the impasse in the latest round of votes to reopen the government, the lapse in federal funding is expected to continue into next week. All tours at the U.S. Capitol, White House, FBI headquarters, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and the U.S. Botanic Garden have already been suspended.

The closure of museums comes as the Smithsonian faces increased scrutiny from the Trump administration over some of its educational exhibits.

The White House launched a review of the institute to ensure “alignment” with President Trump’s vision, after the president accused the museums of being too “woke” and focusing too much on “how bad slavery was” in the U.S. At least 20 exhibits have been labeled as questionable by the administration.

Several federal agencies are also facing reductions in force as the shutdown stretches into next week.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ICE rejects ‘false narrative’ about family separation, asserts Minnesota church rioters were not peaceful

ICE Denies Misleading Claims on Family Separation, Criticizes Misrepresentation of Minnesota Church Rioters’ Actions

On Friday, a senior official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Virginia nanny's story, dentist murders charges, Barry Morphew's plea

Unraveling Infamous Mysteries: Nanny Love Triangle, Luigi Mangione’s Legal Fight & Ohio Dentist Murder Cases

Brendan Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhães observed the proceedings in the Fairfax…
Here's Everything We Know About President Trump's TikTok Deal With China

U.S. Finalizes TikTok Deal Amidst Democratic Calls for Investigation: What It Means for Users and National Security

The saga surrounding TikTok, the social media behemoth, has been mired in…
Broncos’ Jarrett Stidham seeks to become latest backup QB to lead team to Super Bowl glory

Jarrett Stidham Aims to Join Elite Ranks of Backup QBs Leading Denver Broncos to Super Bowl Triumph

In the world of football, history offers some insight into what Jarrett…
Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi says doctors found 'cancerous cells' in her cervix

Snooki Reveals Cervical Cancer Scare as Doctors Detect Cancerous Cells: A Wake-Up Call for Women’s Health

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is urging her followers to prioritize their health by…
Chicago weather: 'Great Lake Jumper' Dan O'Connor continues jumping into Lake Michigan every day despite extreme cold

Meet the ‘Great Lake Jumper’: Defying Chicago’s Frigid Winters with Daily Lake Michigan Plunges

In Chicago, regardless of the weather, a man known as “The Great…
Jacksonville firefighters arrested amid possible paintball 'prank war' incident, police say

Jacksonville Firefighters Detained Over Alleged Paintball Prank War, Police Investigate

In a surprising turn of events, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has reported…
Texas posthumously exonerates Tommy Lee Walker, executed 70 years prior for rape and murder of White woman

Texas Finally Clears Tommy Lee Walker’s Name: 70 Years After Wrongful Execution

Almost seven decades after his execution by the state of Texas, Tommy…
Today in History: January 24, suicide bomber kills 37 at Moscow airport

Tragic Anniversary: Remembering the 2011 Moscow Airport Suicide Bombing That Claimed 37 Lives

Today marks Saturday, January 24, 2026, which is the 24th day of…
Father’s pursuit for missing daughter heats up with new evidence in case that’s no longer cold

Breakthrough Technology Fuels Parents’ Tireless Search for Missing Daughter

Two decades have passed since Jennifer Kesse’s mysterious disappearance, yet her parents,…
Fox News Campus Radicals Newsletter: Union tell-all, Virginia Dems peddle DEI, far-left death threat on campus

Fox News Exposes Campus Controversies: Union Revelations, Virginia DEI Debates, and Far-Left Threats

On April 29, 2025, a significant gathering occurred outside Macomb County Community…
'It was scary': Neighbor’s doorbell camera captures gunfire in Northside attempted home invasion

Terrifying Doorbell Camera Footage: Northside Home Invasion Attempt Caught on Tape

In the video, three individuals are seen approaching a residence before a…