White House Criticizes Smithsonian Leaders
On Monday, the White House expressed strong disapproval of the leaders at the Smithsonian Institution, which oversees 21 museums, claiming they engage in “extreme political activity” and do not adequately celebrate American culture.
A 162-page report, prompted by last year’s directive from President Trump, suggested that the current leadership of the Smithsonian cannot be trusted to convey America’s story in an inspiring and unifying manner. The report was released on Independence Day, a day marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
According to the report, the National Museum of American History (NMAH) has been “captured” by radical ideologies that fundamentally oppose presenting an honest narrative about the United States. This criticism has become particularly pointed, with some believing this could lead to a change in leadership at the Smithsonian.
In March 2025, President Trump hinted at making changes, aiming to address what he described as “divisive narratives” and “inappropriate ideologies” within the major museums.
The White House has singled out the NMAH for allegedly disrepecting the Founding Fathers and for treating traditional patriotic stories with skepticism. Anthea Hartig, who has led NMAH since 2019, has been criticized for framing history as a “primary tool for social justice,” emphasizing the need to reframe traditional narratives for visitors.
The report noted that Hartig claimed to have benefited personally from her social status when discussing her struggles with issues in history presentation. There has been a notable concern about the museum’s approach towards exhibits that connect themes like identity and social issues.
In a presentation, Hartig mentioned that understanding American history can be complicated, suggesting broader inclusivity in exhibitions beyond just North America.
The report accused Hartig of promoting activism among young visitors through various exhibits, such as the museum’s “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” project, which faced backlash. A spokesperson for the Smithsonian defended the institution, asserting its commitment to providing nonpartisan and independent scholarship for over 180 years.
