Smithsonian eyes Arts and Industries Building for Latino museum to bypass Congress after Trump zeroed its budget

The Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents meets on 31 August 2026 to discuss placing the National Museum of the American Latino inside the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall. The New York Times reported the move would bypass congressional approval, which matters: the Trump administration proposed zero funding for the museum. The 1881 building closes again on 7 September for further renovations with no completion date.