White House Report Critiques Smithsonian Leadership

The White House has issued a lengthy report, spanning 162 pages, that criticizes the leadership of the Smithsonian Institution. It accuses the institution of engaging in “extreme political activism” and promoting a “radical view of American history” within its museums.

This report, released over the weekend, specifically highlights concerns about the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History (NMAH). It claims that the museum has adopted an “ideological framework” that treats the American narrative not as a shared heritage to celebrate, but rather as a political tool designed to divide and dishearten citizens.

According to the report, the NMAH’s leadership has been influenced by a “radical, activist ideology” that contradicts what the report describes as the nation’s “noble, honest story.” It further emphasizes a perceived neglect of America’s founders, the inclusion of materials discussing “gender fluidity,” and a supposed campaign against “Whiteness.”

“The serious concerns raised in this report are not just about a few exhibits or labels,” the report asserts. “Currently, it would benefit most Americans, especially parents with children visiting, if the Smithsonian’s main history museum had a notice at every entrance that says: ‘Warning: the exhibits here were prepared by people who don’t want you to love your country.’”

Despite these allegations, a spokesperson for the Smithsonian told ABC News that the institution is dedicated to providing “unbiased” education.

“For over 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so,” the spokesperson stated on Sunday.

In remarks made in May, Lonnie Bunch III, the secretary of the Smithsonian, emphasized that the institution’s goals are based on objective research.

“My goal is that history is driven by scholarship, not partisanship,” Bunch commented to CNN. “The Smithsonian always conducts its own scholarship, which drives our efforts. We have historically worked with various administrations, but our focus is always on what our scholarship reveals.”

Nevertheless, the White House has identified various materials as “problematic,” alleging that the museum promotes “anti-White activism,” “illegal alien activism,” and “transgender activism.”

This inquiry originated from President Donald Trump’s executive order from March 27, 2025, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”

This order instructs Vice President JD Vance, along with domestic policy advisers, to “remove improper ideology” from the Smithsonian, claiming that materials that depict the nation negatively should not be included in federally-funded cultural institutions.