The White House issued a report criticizing the leadership at the Smithsonian Institution, particularly the National Museum of American History. The document labels the leadership as radical activists, suggesting President Donald Trump might replace them with his own team.
The report, coming from the White House Domestic Policy Council, was released on Independence Day. This move is part of Trump’s broader campaign to alter Washington’s cultural and historical institutions. He aims to force changes through an executive order targeting programs seen as advancing “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology.” According to the report, the Smithsonian’s current leadership cannot be trusted to narrate America’s story in an inspiring or unifying manner.
The council claims that museum leadership has moved the focus away from straightforward historical education toward political activism. Despite the critical report, the Smithsonian Institution has not commented on the matter.
Historian Lonnie Bunch, currently leading the Smithsonian, is the first African American to do so. On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Bunch emphasized the importance of making American aspirations meaningful to a diverse audience, understanding history rather than avoiding it.
Anthea M. Hartig is the first woman directing the National Museum of American History. Trump’s attempts to change the Smithsonian align with his efforts to transform cultural institutions, including universities and arts, to better fit conservative ideals. He previously tried rebranding the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts but faced legal challenges.
His administration threatened Columbia University with funding cuts to enforce policy changes, showing a pattern of exerting influence on educational institutions. Trump has also altered historical sites, such as reinstalling panels in Philadelphia that critics argue diminish the history of slavery.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania accused Trump of attempting to “rewrite history.” Shapiro stresses the importance of a comprehensive historical narrative that allows Americans to make informed conclusions.
According to the Domestic Policy Council’s report, the National Museum of American History undermines faith in American institutions, advocating a restoration of “truth and sanity” in historical education.
The report concludes that current museum leadership is pushing an activist ideology, detracting from America’s noble story, and aligning with opposition to Trump’s vision.