House Republicans are wielding the power of the purse in a dispute over the Smithsonian Institution's portrayal of American history, with some lawmakers threatening to cut federal funding over accusations that the museum system promotes a "woke" ideology at the expense of national triumphs.
Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., a member of the House Appropriations Committee, stated that tying the Smithsonian's funding to specific requirements could be the most effective way to ensure the institution adheres to its mandate of presenting an accurate account of the American story and the country's exceptionalism. "The Smithsonian is accountable to the taxpayers," Clyde told Fox News Digital. "So defunding them in certain ways, or tying their funds to requirements, I think is probably the best way to ensure that we bring the Smithsonian back to its required mandate."
Congress allocates approximately $1 billion in taxpayer dollars annually to the Smithsonian, which operates 21 museums and the National Zoo. Republicans have recently focused their scrutiny on the National Museum of American History, alleging that its curators present an overly critical view of the nation's past, emphasizing its flaws while downplaying its achievements.
Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., also on the House Appropriations Committee, echoed these concerns. "The Smithsonian’s role is to teach historic facts, not to put our country under a political kaleidoscope of woke ideology," Cline said. "As Congressional Appropriators, it is our duty to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. If the Smithsonian is unable and unwilling to have an objective view of our Nation’s history, House Republicans will have to act."
The debate intensified following actions by the Trump administration. Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Interior Secretary to "restore trust in the Smithsonian Institution," including exploring the installation of public signage to correct perceived inaccuracies in museum exhibits.
Further congressional examination of the issue occurred in July when Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, led a hearing where Republicans accused the National Museum of American History of promoting a politicized agenda on topics of race, class, gender, and sexuality. A similar hearing scrutinizing the Smithsonian's teachings was led by Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., chairman of the Committee on House Administration.
Democrats, however, have countered these criticisms, accusing Republicans of attempting to "whitewash" history and erase the contributions and struggles of minority populations. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., stated during Gill's hearing that attempts to rewrite American history and punish institutions are a form of political control.
The House and Senate are currently deliberating on funding proposals for fiscal year 2027. The House proposal includes a reduction of approximately 11%, allocating around $961 million to the Smithsonian Institution. The final budget remains subject to negotiation between the House and Senate.