A new White House Domestic Policy Council report accuses Smithsonian leaders of adopting an “ideological” and activist approach…, alleging they are trying to impose ideology on how the National Museum of American History presents the nation’s past.
White House Says Museum Distorts American Heritage
The 162-page report, released on July 4 and titled "Saving America’s Story," alleges the museum "fails in the basic task of illuminating" U.S. heritage. "Our central finding is not that the Museum has simply added overlooked stories, corrected perceived errors, or broadened its historical scope," the report states.
It adds, "Rather, it is that Museum leadership has explicitly adopted an ideological framework that no longer treats the American story as a shared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as a political instrument to divide, dispirit, and discourage our citizens."
The museum opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology before being renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980, houses exhibits on U.S. history, politics and popular culture. In May, it opened "In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness," a 250-object exhibition across three floors exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence ahead of the country’s 250th birthday.
Report Claims History Shifted Toward Activism
The White House report claims the museum shifted from "history to activism," citing Director Anthea Hartig’s statement that she views history as a "prime tool of social justice."
It also says the museum fails to teach visitors enough about the Founding Fathers, has "problematized" the anniversary and advocates for minority groups. "This ideological capture has moved the Museum’s mission away from straightforward historical education and scholarship toward an extreme political activism that seeks to transform our country," the report adds.
The Smithsonian pushed back. "For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so," a spokesperson told The Hill on Sunday.
Smithsonian Defends Complexity In History Debate
Secretary Lonnie Bunch III also defended a more complex presentation of history. "History is really about ambiguity, complexity, nuance, debate," he told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, saying the anniversary should help Americans think about the past and the future.
As America turns 250, "it’s really important that we have a commitment to telling the complete story of America," @smithsonian head Lonnie Bunch tells me. "Our job is to say, how do we tell an accurate history… that challenges America to live up to its ideals?" pic.twitter.com/DrHGpcKNDV
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) July 3, 2026
The clash follows Trump’s March executive order directing officials to restore federal museums and parks as "solemn and uplifting public monuments."
The order also instructed Vice President JD Vance to work with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) if needed, on appointing "citizen" members to the Smithsonian Board of Regents. The Smithsonian review was formed as part of Trump’s broader America 250 push.
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