White House report finds Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is ‘ideologically captured,’ run by ‘radical activists’

The report uses the words and actions of the heads of the NMAH throughout, and states that "Rather than part of a national trust for the diffusion of knowledge, dedicated to explaining the 'infinite richness and complexity of American history,' the National Museum of American History has become an instrument—a 'prime tool,' as Director [Anthea M.] Hartig has put it—for a radical, activist cohort dedicated to reframing the American story to serve its ideological ends."

In a key section of the report, called "Ideological Capture at the Museum," the White House states "In both theory and in practice, NMAH is a clear and institutionalized example of intersectional critcial theory—an intellectual framework rooted in Marxism that seeks to radically transform society by revealing and challenging alleged 'overlapping systems of oppression'—applies to American history.

"It fails 'to produce America's young people access to what is genuinely inspiring and unifying in our history, as well as to the lessons imparted by the American experience of overcoming great national challenges'—stories and lessons that make 'possible the informed and honest patriotism that is essential for a successful republic.' Its message does not seek to instill an 'American education grounded in the principles of our founding that is accurate, honest, unifying, and ennobling,' but rather seeks to teach disdain and inspire disgust of our great country."

The White House report was published on July 4, Independence Day, from the White House Domestic Policy Council and came just hours ahead of a speech President Donald Trump gave on the National Mall praising Americans, the exceptionalism of the United States, and the drive that makes the nation strong, prosperous, and ambitious. He praised America as the "crowning achievement of human history."

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To Americans, the president said "we are a historic and heroic people."

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In March, Trump signed Executive Order I4253 on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. In that order, he said: "Over the past decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth.

"This revisionist movement seeks to undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light," the order continued. "Under this historical revision, our Nation’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness is reconstructed as inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed. Rather than fostering unity and a deeper understanding of our shared past, the widespread effort to rewrite history deepens societal divides and fosters a sense of national shame, disregarding the progress America has made and the ideals that continue to inspire millions around the globe."

He promised to "restore the Smithsonian Institution to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness—igniting the imagination of young minds, honoring the richness of American history and innovation, and instilling pride in the hearts of all Americans."

The Independence Day report finds that the NMAH fails to substantively present America's founders and founding; that it has "problematized" the 250th Anniversary of America's founding; that it has removed "American history" from its mission statement and engaged in anti-white activism as well as pro-illegal alien and transgender activism; and that the Smithsonian "has not met its obligations to the American people."

In conclusion, the report states that "that the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Museum of American History in particular, under its current leadership and current interpretive ideology, cannot be trusted to tell America’s story honestly and in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic. By the intention and at the direction of current Museum and Smithsonian leadership, NMAH has become subject to institutional capture by a radical, activist ideology that is fundamentally opposed to telling the noble, honest story of the great country we know and love."

"We must be committed to restoring truth and sanity in how American history is presented and taught," says the Council, offering recommendations. "President Trump’s Executive Order of March 2025 notes that the Smithsonian’s effort 'to rewrite history deepens societal divides and fosters a sense of national shame, disregarding the progress America has made and the ideals that continue to inspire millions around the globe.'

"As a result, to restore the truth of America’s story as it regards the Smithsonian Institution, EO 14253 directs the Vice President (as Regent of the Smithsonian) to work with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy 'to remove improper ideology from such properties, and shall recommend to the President any additional actions necessary to fully effectuate such policies' and with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to 'prohibit expenditure on exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy.'"

The report could have sweeping ramifications for funding of the institutions. The Smithsonian has long been a trusted institution that is part of the fabric for curriculum in America's public schools.

Smithsonian Report Saving Americas Story by The Post Millennial