House Republicans accuse Smithsonian of promoting a partisan narrative
During a subcommittee hearing, GOP lawmakers criticized the National Museum of American History’s director, echoing a White House report that labeled the museum’s exhibits as ideologically driven, while Democrats defended the institution’s mission.
House Republicans on the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency questioned Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, accusing the Smithsonian of presenting history as a struggle between "oppressors and the oppressed" and of promoting a "woke" agenda. The hearing, chaired by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), followed a 162-page White House Domestic Policy Council report released on July 4 that claimed the museum was "subject to institutional capture by a radical, activist ideology" and criticized its coverage of the nation’s founding, its handling of the 250th anniversary, and its treatment of topics such as immigration and transgender issues.
Republican members asked pointed questions about specific exhibitions, including one on gender identity, and suggested the museum was using taxpayer funds to advance a divisive racial narrative. Hartig responded that the Smithsonian remains a nonpartisan institution and reiterated the museum’s goal of representing all Americans.
Democratic lawmakers issued a rebuttal to the White House report, arguing that the administration seeks to undermine trust in museums and manipulate the historical record. They highlighted public polling that places museums among the most trusted institutions in the country.
The hearing reflected stark partisan divisions, with Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) defending the National Museum of African American History and Culture against what he described as attempts to erase its history. Neither the Smithsonian nor Rep. Burchett’s office responded to requests for comment. Hartig has scheduled another appearance before the House Administration Committee.