The director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History (MNAH) has defended the institution's work before Congress, pushing back against sharp criticism from the White House that accused the museum of engaging in "extreme political activism" and presenting a "radical view of American history."
In her opening remarks to a House Subcommittee hearing titled "Rewriting American History: Examining the Smithsonian's Efforts to Reshape the Past," Anthea Hartig stated, "Our work is governed by the Smithsonian standards of scholarship, accuracy, independence, and nonpartisanship." She added, "The museum does not take sides in America's political debates. We preserve and document the evidence of American life in all of its breadth, so that the public can encounter the past and draw their own conclusions."
Hartig's testimony comes after a scathing White House Domestic Policy Council report released on July 4, which targeted the MNAH and its leadership. Hartig addressed the report's findings directly, stating, "The Smithsonian takes the concerns raised in the White House Domestic Policy Council's report seriously, and as we continue to fact-check the report, we unwaveringly attest that it does not fairly or accurately characterize the full body of work at the museum."
A spokesperson for the Smithsonian reiterated the institution's commitment to impartiality, telling ABC News on July 5, "For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so."
This public testimony by a senior Smithsonian leader is the first since President Donald Trump targeted the institution in a March 27, 2025 executive order. The order, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," directed Vice President J.D. Vance to consult with advisers to "remove improper ideology" from Smithsonian institutions, arguing that materials casting America in a "negative light" should not be in federal cultural institutions.
The White House investigation, launched last year, encompasses all 21 Smithsonian museums, galleries, and the national zoo. The July 4 report specifically accused the American history museum of "anti-White activism," "illegal alien activism," and "transgender activism," and included photographs of materials the White House deemed problematic. The report also suggested that museum leaders "don't want you to love your country."
Hartig countered this assertion, inviting lawmakers to visit the museum. "I believe what you will find, madams and sirs, is not an institution that has forgotten its country, but one that loves it enough to tell the full sweep of history, our triumphs and our struggles," she said. "I love the United States of America. I consider it the privilege of my career to help preserve its treasures and serve the American people."
Vince Haley, the Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, issued a statement saying, "No American wants the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to be a system of ideological activism. Unfortunately, the report demonstrates that is exactly what the Smithsonian's flagship museum has become." He expressed hope that the Smithsonian would "rise once again to that noble obligation -- to tell America's story for our children, the world, and future generations of Americans."
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, while not publicly addressing the report, disputed its findings in an internal letter to staff obtained by ABC News. Bunch stated that while leadership is "carefully" reviewing the report, its assessment is "not a fair characterization." He affirmed that "the Smithsonian's work is driven by scholarship, accuracy, and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America's story," and that the institution is dedicated to "excellence, reflection, and growth."