G.O.P. Lawmakers Join White House in Challenging a Smithsonian Museum

Key Points:

• Anthea M. Hartig, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, faced criticism at a congressional hearing over a White House report accusing her and the museum of promoting “radical activist ideology” and undermining faith in American institutions.
• The White House report claimed the museum inadequately portrayed the nation’s founders, focused too negatively on American history, and overemphasized topics like slavery, immigration, and transgender issues.
• Representative Tim Burchett criticized specific exhibits, including “Entertainment Nation” and “Girlhood (It’s complicated),” questioning the appropriateness of their content for children.
• Hartig defended the museum, stating the “Girlhood” exhibit was not intended for children and included parental advisories, while declining to directly answer questions about gender identity.
• The hearing highlighted ongoing political tensions around how American history and social issues are presented in public institutions.