The Trump administration released a scathing 162-page report accusing the Smithsonian Institution and its National Museum of American History of abandoning America’s founding principles in favor of radical political activism, releasing the findings on Independence Day as the nation celebrated its 250th birthday.
White House Targets Museum Leadership
The White House Domestic Policy Council concluded that Smithsonian leadership cannot be trusted to tell America’s story honestly or in an inspiring manner. The report specifically targeted the National Museum of American History, stating the institution has suffered institutional capture by radical activist ideology fundamentally opposed to celebrating American greatness. President Trump ordered the investigation last year after signaling his intent to combat what he called divisive narratives across the nation’s top museums.
The administration reserved particular criticism for museum director Anthea Hartig, who has led the institution since 2019. The report quoted Hartig describing history as a prime tool of social justice and stating she works to reframe traditional celebratory narratives of American history. According to the findings, Hartig questioned how museums should problematize the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and suggested that loving America is very complicated.
Museum Policies Under Fire
The report documented several concerning policy changes under current leadership. Museum officials removed the phrases infinite richness and American history from the institution’s mission statement. The White House alleged the museum requires all exhibits to connect with identity-related themes including race, gender, climate change, immigration, economic inequality, and nationalism versus globalism. The administration criticized Hartig for suggesting exhibits should cover the entirety of the Americas rather than focusing on American history specifically.
The report condemned several specific exhibits and programs, including the Girlhood exhibit and anti-racism displays. White House officials concluded that the museum’s repeated message to young visitors amounts to be a social and political activist. The domestic policy council also highlighted lectures where Hartig appeared to advocate for illegal immigrants and criticized what she called an America First mentality in museum curation.
Smithsonian Defends Its Mission
A Smithsonian spokesperson rejected the White House complaints, insisting the institution maintains nonpartisan and independent scholarship. The spokesperson emphasized the Smithsonian’s 180-year history of serving the American public without political bias. However, observers believe the report signals Trump’s intention to significantly reshape Smithsonian leadership. The president had previously indicated in March 2025 his determination to change the institution and combat what he views as improper ideology undermining America’s founding fathers and traditional patriotic narratives at the nation’s most prominent museums.