Smithsonian Defends Museum

Smithsonian leaders push back as Trump allies attack exhibits as woke and biased.

•Contested

WATCH: Smithsonian director pressed on woke exhibits: ‘Is Mickey Mouse racist?’

Democrats expose Trump’s bigoted plot to erase history at Smithsonian

Smithsonian too focused on 'oppressors and the oppressed,' say House Republicans

Summary

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

Anthea M. Hartig, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, defended the museum at a House hearing Tuesday after a 162-page White House report accused its leadership of “radical” activism. Hartig told lawmakers the museum “does not take sides” and rejected claims that its exhibits are insufficiently patriotic or politically captured. Republicans questioned her about displays and materials involving Mickey Mouse, racism, objectivity, gender and a “mass action toolkit.” House Democrats released a counterreport accusing Trump of trying to reshape Smithsonian presentations of U.S. history.

The Coverage

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Contestedcommentary from both sides — in disagreement.

What the analysis & opinion pieces argue

Woke Museum

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is pushing politicized woke ideology through its exhibits, teaching materials, and public resources. Congressional questioning exposed evasiveness and troubling race- and gender-focused content that deserves scrutiny.