Smithsonian Director Defends American History Museum Against White House ‘Radical’ Label

The director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History strongly defended her institution on Tuesday, pushing back against a White House report that labeled its leadership as “radical activists” and accused the museum of promoting a divisive historical narrative.

Testifying before a House Oversight subcommittee, Anthea M. Hartig—the first woman to lead the museum—rejected the administration’s characterization of the institution’s work. The hearing highlighted a deepening ideological battle over how the federal government represents American history, particularly as the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence.

The dispute stems from a July 4th report issued by the White House Domestic Policy Council. The document claimed the museum fails to present an inspiring or unifying history of the United States, asserting that it lacks dedicated exhibits on the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, or the Revolutionary War.

Hartig countered that the report misrepresents the museum’s actual programming. She pointed to a major exhibition opened in May, titled “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness,” which showcases 250 historic artifacts. Among the items on display are the portable desk Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence, a gunboat from the Revolutionary War, and the original Star-Spangled Banner.

During the hearing, Republican lawmakers echoed the White House’s criticisms. Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee accused the museum of framing American history as a perpetual conflict between oppressors and the oppressed, arguing that its exhibits reflect a “woke” agenda. Representative Michael Cloud of Texas complained that key historical documents and references were difficult for visitors to locate within the exhibits.

In response, Hartig argued that modern curation is not about erasing traditional narratives but expanding them to include previously marginalized perspectives. She emphasized that adding new voices and evidence allows a broader range of Americans to see themselves in the national story.

The clash occurs amid a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from federally funded cultural and educational institutions. This campaign has already impacted other independent cultural bodies. Earlier, Kim Sajet, the longtime director of the National Portrait Gallery, stepped down following intense executive branch pressure.

While the Smithsonian Institution operates under a unique charter independent of direct executive control, its leadership has faced growing political scrutiny. During the hearing, Burchett questioned Hartig directly on why she should remain in her post. Hartig defended her tenure, describing her leadership of the museum as the honor of her career.

The committee also scrutinized past exhibits, including “Girlhood (It’s Complicated),” which ran from 2020 to 2023. Republican members questioned the inclusion of a diary entry by a 13-year-old discussing gender identity. Hartig noted that the exhibit featured a clear advisory label indicating it was not intended for young children.