The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, is facing criticism from conservatives and the Trump administration over what they describe as increasingly left-wing messaging in its exhibitions. President Donald Trump has ordered warning signs to be installed outside the National Museum of American History, directing visitors to a White House report that alleges the museum is presenting "woke revisionist history."
The Smithsonian, founded in 1846 with funds from British scientist James Smithson, has grown into a sprawling network with nearly 700 facilities across eight states, Washington, D.C., and Panama. The institution houses more than 157 million artifacts and specimens across its 21 museums, the National Zoo, and 14 education and research centers. Annually, the Smithsonian welcomes over 30 million in-person visitors and reaches millions more through its educational resources and digital platforms, operating on a budget exceeding $1 billion.
The White House report at the center of the controversy warns about an alleged infiltration of leftist politics within the Smithsonian. It specifically highlights concerns about exhibits promoting racial reparations and a 2020 infographic that criticized "white culture." The report quotes Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, stating that she views history as a "prime tool of social justice" and connects "research and scholarship to activism and advocacy."
Beyond its museum operations, the Smithsonian functions as a national education and research institution. Through initiatives like the Smithsonian Learning Lab and the Smithsonian Science Education Center, it provides millions of free lesson plans, classroom activities, and virtual field trips to teachers and students nationwide. The institution also offers professional development for educators and engages with thousands of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students through internships, fellowships, and research collaborations on college campuses.
A congressional hearing has further intensified the debate, with lawmakers questioning the historical accuracy and perceived political bias of the museum's displays. This scrutiny underscores a broader tension regarding the role of cultural institutions in contemporary political discourse and their interpretation of American history.