The White House Domestic Policy Council released a 162-page report on July 4, accusing leaders of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History of embracing 'extreme political activism.' The report claims the museum has moved away from its mission of historical education toward social justice advocacy, particularly under the leadership of Anthea Hartig, the museum's first female director since 2019.
The report argues that the museum has deemphasized America’s founding, noting the absence of major exhibits devoted to the Founding Fathers or key events of the American Revolution. It also criticizes programs and exhibits addressing race, immigration, and gender identity, contending they prioritize advocacy over traditional historical interpretation.
The White House report states that the museum 'fails to substantively present America’s founders and founding' and cannot be trusted to tell America’s story honestly. It alleges that the museum has been captured by a radical, activist ideology opposed to telling the 'noble, honest story' of the country.
The report is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to scrutinize Smithsonian exhibits and programming viewed as overly ideological or 'woke.' It focuses on Hartig’s public statements connecting history to activism and advocacy, as well as her efforts to reframe the traditional narrative of U.S. history.
The Smithsonian has long been regarded as a nonpartisan and independent institution, serving the American public for over 180 years. The report’s findings have sparked debate over the role of museums in presenting historical narratives and the balance between education and advocacy.