Smithsonian History Fight
The White House and Smithsonian clash over how American history is presented.
July 6, 2026 · Updated Jul 6, 6:00pm ET
Straight Arrow NewsWho gets to tell the story? White House, Smithsonian disagree over US history
FOX NewsSmithsonian's National Museum of American History promotes 'extreme political activism,' WH report alleges
Washington TimesWhite House says Smithsonian pushes leftist ideology, cannot be trusted to tell America’s story
New York PostWhite House tears into ‘extreme political activism’ at National Museum of American History
One America News NetworkWH report: Smithsonian leadership guilty of ‘extreme political activism’
Epoch TimesWhite House Report Accuses Smithsonian Leaders of ‘Extreme Political Activism’
RedStateSmithsonian Museum of History Has Become 'Prime Tool of Social Justice' at Taxpayer Expense
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What happened
The White House Domestic Policy CouncilDomestic Policy CouncilUS governmental body advising the President on social issues released a 162-page report, “Saving America’s Story,” over the July 4 weekend accusing the Smithsonian Institution and especially the National Museum of American History
National Museum of American Historyhistory museum in Washington, D.C., a division of the Smithsonian Institution of “extreme political activism.” The report says the museum’s current leadership and interpretive approach amount to “ideological capture” and fail to substantively present America’s founders and founding. It targets the Smithsonian network of 21 museums, arguing taxpayer-backed exhibits emphasize social-justice themes over national history. The Smithsonian disputes the White House’s characterization.
