White House Releases 162-Page Report on National Museum of American History; Smithsonian Responds

The White House released a 162-page report on Monday examining the National Museum of American History's curatorial practices and mission statement. The document states that the museum's leadership cannot be trusted to tell America's story honestly and in a way that is inspiring, unifying and worthy of the republic. President Trump ordered the review of the Smithsonian Institution in 2025.

Anthea Hartig has served as director of the National Museum of American History since 2019. The report notes that the museum removed the phrases "infinite richness" and "American history" from its mission statement. According to the report, exhibits are now required to connect to themes including race and identity, gender and sexuality, climate change, immigration, economic inequality, technological change, and nationalism and globalism.

The document quotes Hartig describing history as "a prime tool of social justice" and stating that the museum works to "reframe the traditional celebratory narrative of U.S. " The report also cites Hartig's remarks on being "propped up by the cushions of whiteness and the pillows of the bourgeoisie," her view that "loving America is very complicated," and her suggestion that exhibits should cover the entirety of the Americas rather than only the United States.

" The Smithsonian operates 21 museums.