President Trump has ordered a “comprehensive internal review” of exhibitions and materials at several Smithsonian museums to ensure the 178-year-old institution is putting America’s best foot forward as its 250th birthday draws near.

“As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Nation’s founding, it is more important than ever that our national museums reflect the unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story,” reads the Aug. 12 letter from the White House to Smithsonian Institution secretary Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III.

Citing one of Trump’s executive orders from March, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” the missive explains its goals and assures the Institution it has no intention of interfering with the day-to-day work of curators and other staff.

Rather, it says the review is to help the administration “support a broader vision of excellence that highlights historically accurate, uplifting, and inclusive portrayals of America’s heritage.”

The letter says the review will focus on several areas of interest, including an audit of exhibition text, wall signage, educational materials and social media content “to assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals.”

The initiative “aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”

Phase I of the review process will encompass eight of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, with additional museums to be reviewed in Phase II, the letter states.

Included in Phase I is the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

The process will see curators and senior staff interviewed to help the administration better understand how works are selected and approved for display, and what “frameworks” guide those choices, the letter reads.

The administration plans to look over current and future exhibitions, particularly those planned for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. They’ll also evaluate how existing materials and collections could potentially be put to better use “to highlight American achievement and progress,” which could include them being sent to other museums.

Each of the museums is being asked to provide 10 different types of materials to the review team, including all planned 250th anniversary programming, internal guidelines and governance, external partnerships, “grant-related documentation” and more.

“We view this process as a collaborative and forward-looking opportunity — one that empowers
museum staff to embrace a revitalized curatorial vision rooted in the strength, breadth, and
achievements of the American story,” the letter concludes.

“By focusing on Americanism-the people, principles, and progress that define our nation-we can work together to renew the Smithsonian’s role as the world’s leading museum institution.”

The White House says it plans on completing its report early next year, which will include assessments, institutional trends and “constructive recommendations for future exhibition strategy.”

In a statement to The Post regarding the White House letter, the Institution said “The Smithsonian’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research, and the accurate, factual presentation of history. We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind and will continue to collaborate constructively with the White House, Congress, and our governing Board of Regents.”

Earlier this month, the Smithsonian was forced to issue a statement that it was not coerced by the administration into removing a placard from a National Museum of American History exhibit detailing Trump’s two impeachments.

“We were not asked by any Administration or other government official to remove content from the exhibit,” the museum said in a press release, further explaining “the placard … did not meet the museum’s standards in appearance, location, timeline and overall presentation.”

The statement came after the Washington Post published an article claiming the takedown was the result of pressure from the White House, citing a person familiar with the exhibit plans.

The Smithsonian said it plans to restore the exhibition — which is intended “to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation’s history” — in the coming weeks.