Smithsonian Secretary Disputes White House Report Alleging Activist Exhibits at National Museum of American History

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III sent an internal letter to staff disputing a 162-page White House report released July 4. The report accused the National Museum of American History of presenting a radical view of American history.

Bunch wrote that the report was not a fair characterization of the work and totality of the National Museum of American History. He stated that Smithsonian leadership is carefully reviewing the findings of the White House report. Bunch said the institution's work is driven by scholarship, accuracy, and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America's story.

A Smithsonian spokesperson stated the institution remains committed to nonpartisan and independent scholarship after more than 180 years of service to the American public. The White House report accused the museum of adopting an ideological framework that treats the American story as a political instrument.

It specifically cited anti-White activism, illegal alien activism, and transgender activism in exhibits and materials, according to the report.

The American Historical Association, which represents 10,000 historians, urged the White House to respect the expertise of curators and museum professionals conducting reviews according to professional standards.