White House report criticizes Smithsonian museum exhibits; secretary disputes findings

A 162-page report issued by the White House Domestic Policy Council on July 4 accused the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History of engaging in extreme political activism and presenting a radical view of American history. The report singled out the museum's leadership for adopting what it called an ideological framework that treats the American story as a political instrument rather than a shared national inheritance.

It listed specific exhibits and labels it described as anti-White activism, illegal alien activism, and transgender activism.

Smithsonian response Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch addressed the report in an internal letter to staff obtained by ABC News. He wrote that Smithsonian leadership is carefully reviewing the findings. "While there will always be room for improvement, this report is not a fair characterization of the work and totality of the National Museum of American History," Bunch said in the letter.

Bunch added that the institution's work is driven by scholarship, accuracy, and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America's story. He thanked staff for their dedication and said the Smithsonian remains committed to fulfilling its mission for generations to come.

Background and reviews The report was published amid an ongoing White House review of Smithsonian institutions and a separate internal review launched by the Smithsonian into its own exhibits and processes. The White House review stems from a March 27, 2025 executive order directing officials to remove improper ideology from federal cultural institutions.

A Smithsonian spokesperson told ABC News on Sunday that the institution has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship for more than 180 years and remains committed to doing so. The spokesperson did not comment on the status of the internal review.