Smithsonian Museum faces congressional criticism over historic exhibits

The U.S. House of Representatives held hearings titled “Rewriting American History: Examining the Smithsonian’s Efforts to Reshape the Past.” Dr. Anthea Hartig, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, testified that the museum “does not take sides in America’s political debates.”

The Trump administration’s report, “Saving America’s Story,” alleges the museum has undergone an “extreme makeover” that emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion while omitting major exhibits about the nation’s founding era, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the Continental Congress and the American Revolution. Critics say the museum highlights founders’ connections to slavery and downplays their contributions, prompting heated debate over the institution’s portrayal of American history.