Smithsonian History Fight

The White House Domestic Policy Council 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 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.