House Republicans pressed Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, at a contentious subcommittee hearing Tuesday, arguing the Smithsonian has recast the nation’s story as primarily a struggle between oppressors and the oppressed. The session was convened by the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), chaired by Rep. Tim Burchett (R‑Tenn.).
In his opening remarks Burchett accused the institution of being “infected by a woke ideology” that, he said, has influenced exhibits, educational materials and planning. He argued the museum’s current narrative downplays the nation’s founding ideals and instead frames history as an ongoing power struggle.
Republican criticism largely echoed a July 4 report from the White House Domestic Policy Council, which alleged the Smithsonian has been influenced by what it called a radical activist ideology and accused the National Museum of American History of minimizing the Founding Fathers and early colonial and Revolutionary history. The report also criticized the institution for not sufficiently celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary and leveled a series of charges including claims of “anti‑white,” “illegal alien” and transgender activism. It further alleged the museum attempted to indoctrinate teachers and students through exhibitions, programs and educational resources.
House Democrats responded almost immediately with a 16‑page rebuttal, arguing the White House effort is an attempt to discredit museums and scholars and to reshape the historical record for political ends. Democratic lawmakers pointed to public‑opinion research showing museums rank among the most trusted institutions in the country and warned the administration’s claims ask Americans to believe those trusted institutions are peddling radical ideology solely on the basis of the White House report.
The hearing itself followed partisan lines. GOP members pressed Hartig on specific exhibits and educational content. Rep. Nancy Mace (R‑S.C.) questioned Hartig about an exhibit called “Girlhood,” which included references to gender identity and puberty. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R‑Colo.) accused the museum of promoting a racial narrative that, she suggested, divides Americans by skin color; Hartig repeatedly maintained that the Smithsonian is a nonpartisan institution and defended the museum’s mission.
Democratic members pushed back against the Republican attacks as part of broader political pressure on museums and cultural institutions. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D‑Md.) forcefully defended the National Museum of African American History and Culture, saying the museum’s history and purpose would not be erased.
Hartig delivered measured answers throughout the hearing and frequently echoed public statements made by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III about the organization’s mission. In a two‑page written statement provided to the subcommittee ahead of the hearing, Hartig said the Smithsonian welcomes feedback from visitors, scholars, members of Congress, veterans and teachers and that it makes changes when the evidence supports them. She wrote that when historians speak of reframing narratives they mean adding evidence, voices and objects that were previously left out—not erasing earlier accounts. Hartig emphasized that examining difficult chapters of U.S. history is not equivalent to hostility toward the country, and said the institution can honor the Declaration, the Revolution and the Constitution while also acknowledging times when the nation fell short of its ideals.
The Smithsonian operates under a charter that establishes 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo, all intended to function independently of the federal government. The institution is overseen by the Smithsonian secretary and a board of regents that includes the vice president, the chief justice of the United States and other members appointed by Congress.
Neither the Smithsonian nor Rep. Burchett’s office immediately responded to NPR’s requests for comment about the hearing.
Hartig is scheduled to testify before the House Administration Committee on Wednesday as the debate over the Smithsonian’s approach to American history continues.