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
AOC's ice-cold snub of ex-staffer's campaign fuels rumors

AOC’s Cool Reception of Former Staffer’s Campaign Sparks Speculation

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offered a succinct reply when questioned about a former colleague’s…
Two injured after explosion rips through chemical plant, sparking hazmat response, shelter-in-place order

Chemical Plant Explosion Injures Two, Triggers Hazmat Response and Shelter-in-Place Alert

An explosion at an Illinois chemical plant on Tuesday morning left two…
Doctor indicted on 81 new sexual assault charges in case involving dozens of victims

Doctor Faces 81 Additional Sexual Assault Charges in Case Involving Multiple Victims

A doctor from Massachusetts, already embroiled in a multitude of rape and…
Nolte: Former WaPo Editor Marty Baron Finally Admits to Biden Decline Cover-Up

Ex-WaPo Editor Marty Baron Reveals Truth Behind Biden’s Decline Cover-Up

Marty Baron, the former executive editor of the Washington Post, has recently…
Obama ripped for congratulating Virginia for after congressional districts vote

Obama Faces Backlash Over Virginia Congressional Districts Congratulatory Message

On Tuesday, former President Barack Obama faced criticism on social media for…
Cardinal Blase Cupich reflects 1 year after Pope Francis' death, speaks on Donald Trump-Pope Leo feud over Iran war

Cardinal Cupich Shares Insights on Pope Francis’ Legacy and Addresses Trump-Pope Leo Iran Dispute

One year has passed since the death of Pope Francis, and Cardinal…
40 passengers from Israel faced hours-long detainment at Moscow airport: 'Utterly unacceptable'

Outrage in Moscow: 40 Israeli Passengers Detained for Hours in Controversial Airport Incident

Approximately 40 passengers from Israel experienced a lengthy detainment at Moscow’s Domodedovo…
Sheridan Gorman parents blast policies that led to illegal immigrant alleged Chicago murder

Outrage in Chicago: Sheridan Gorman’s Parents Condemn Policies After Tragic Murder by Alleged Illegal Immigrant

The grieving parents of a New York teenager who was brutally murdered…
Dr. Oz touts 'Fraud War Room,' ending payments to 400 Calif. hospices over fears of $100B fraud

Dr. Oz Launches ‘Fraud War Room’ to Combat $100 Billion Hospice Scam in California

WASHINGTON — In a sweeping move by the Centers for Medicare &…
FAA probes JFK near miss after another recent close call fuels scrutiny of air traffic safety

FAA Investigates JFK Incident Amid Growing Concerns Over Air Traffic Safety

FAA air traffic control staffing under scrutiny after deadly LaGuardia runway crash…
Will Xavier Becerra's past come back to haunt him in California governor's race?

Xavier Becerra’s Political History: A Game-Changer in the California Governor’s Race?

Xavier Becerra is now facing intense scrutiny, which could be the clearest…
Curious black bear tranquilized by cops, topples out of tree after hours-long standoff in Albany

Albany Police Safely Capture Black Bear After Hours-Long Tree Standoff

Just like in a classic fairy tale, a black bear’s adventure in…