White House Report Criticizes Smithsonian for Perceived 'Ideological Capture'

A recent White House report has sharply criticized the Smithsonian Institution, accusing its leadership of ideological bias and of promoting a negative view of American history. The report, titled “Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage,” specifically targets the National Museum of American History.

According to the report and accompanying commentary, exhibits within the Smithsonian museums allegedly frame American history primarily through the lens of slavery and oppression, rather than celebrating national achievements. Critics contend that figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are underrepresented, while historical events such as the European settlement of the New World are described as a "profound unsettling of the continent." The report also claims that museum materials characterize Christopher Columbus as a "thief" and suggest Christianity was an "instrument of conquest, exclusion or cultural erasure."

The critique extends to the museum's focus on social justice issues, with the report noting that Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, views history as a "prime tool of social justice." Critics interpret this as an attempt to "problematize" history using taxpayer funds, arguing that leaders like Hartig are imposing a guilt-ridden narrative on the public.

Speculation within exhibits has also drawn criticism. For instance, visitors are reportedly prompted to consider whether Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity involved an enslaved person, despite a lack of supporting evidence.

Smithsonian officials have stated that the institution operates independently. However, the report highlights that over 60% of the Smithsonian's funding comes from taxpayers, suggesting a lack of accountability to public values and patriotism. The commentary accompanying the report argues that ideologues are using public funds to promote a revisionist view of America, teaching shame rather than national pride.

The issue is not confined to the Smithsonian, according to the report's proponents. They assert that historical sites nationwide are being similarly influenced by progressive ideologies that recast traditional heroes as villains and focus on victim groups and oppression. The Heritage Foundation's "Heritage Guide to Historic Sites" is mentioned as an effort to evaluate historical sites for accuracy and bias.

The report's authors argue that if the teaching of American history is left to progressives, the nation's achievements will be overshadowed by its failures.