A legal expert is calling for a leadership change at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, asserting that the institution has adopted a negative and “self-loathing” view of the nation’s past. Cully Stimson, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, described the museum’s historical framing as “bile” that should be “ripped out, root and branch.”
Stimson stated that this approach is part of a broader effort by the left to redefine American history through a lens of oppressor versus oppressed, rather than a chronological examination of both triumphs and tragedies. He criticized the museum for focusing on themes such as slavery and its lingering effects without adequately presenting the nation’s efforts to address these issues, including the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, civil rights legislation, and the repeal of discriminatory laws.
These criticisms follow a July 2026 White House report that accused the Smithsonian of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and left-wing agendas. This report led to congressional hearings where National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig faced scrutiny over the museum’s exhibits.
Lawmakers accused museum leadership of allowing political activism to influence historical presentation. Hartig maintained during the hearings that the museum is nonpartisan and does not engage in political debates. Stimson, however, characterized Hartig’s demeanor during her testimony as “smug and self-righteous” and suggested she should have resigned or been terminated.
Stimson also pointed to the museum’s offerings during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations in July 2026, alleging that visitors encountered exhibits focusing on “bondage” and other negative aspects of history, rather than a balanced portrayal. He contended that exhibits often highlight the Founding Fathers' ties to slavery over their contributions to nation-building and that the museum should instead dedicate significant space to the Constitutional Convention, Reconstruction Amendments, and the Civil War.
“We should not have a museum dedicated to flagellation and self-loathing,” Stimson said. “That is not how you celebrate your country.” He rejected the notion that celebrating America necessitates ignoring its difficult past, stating, “Celebrating doesn’t mean whitewashing history.”
Stimson suggested that this critical approach to history extends beyond museums, appearing in higher education and K-12 schooling. He advised parents to be actively involved in their children’s education on American history, drawing a parallel to increased parental involvement in education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Smithsonian did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital before publication.