US President Donald Trump has asked the Smithsonian Institution to install statues of George Washington in his latest bid to reshape the treasured museum he has faulted over its presentation of American history and values.

Trump, who has sought to root out what he called "woke" culture, has accused the Smithsonian – which operates 21 museums and galleries – of trying to rewrite American history on issues of race and gender.

A 162-page White House report said that Smithsonian leadership has "consistently denigrated and displaced whites, males, Christians, and Americans in educational materials and programming".

Trump called on Friday for the installation of a nine-metre "Colossus statue" of George Washington, a founding father and the first US president, and an exhibition honouring his legacy at the The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington.

Trump also said he wanted a three-metre statue of Washington that featured in August's Freedom 250 IndyCar motor race to go on display in the museum's Flag Hall.

The president asked for a five-year exhibition continuing through February 22, 2032 – the 300th anniversary of Washington's birth – to honour his "Life and Legacy".

"He is easily America's Greatest Hero. Without him, our Country and our Freedoms wouldn't exist," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The Smithsonian was created by the federal government in 1846 but operates in a unique position outside any branch of government. (AFP)


Edited by Tony Sabine