Smithsonian chief responds to White House report : NPR

Key Points:

• Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III defended the National Museum of American History against a White House report accusing it of promoting a "radical, activist ideology" that distorts America's story, emphasizing the museum's commitment to scholarship, accuracy, and nonpartisanship.
• The 162-page White House report, released by the Domestic Policy Council, criticizes the museum for underplaying the Founding Fathers, Revolutionary history, and the country's 250th anniversary, while alleging it promotes "anti-white," "illegal alien," and transgender activism.
• The report specifically targets museum director Anthea Hartig, accusing her of advancing an ideological agenda that contradicts the museum's mission to foster patriotism.
• The Trump administration has sought to reshape Smithsonian narratives, ordering a comprehensive review of eight museums in 2025 to remove what it deems "improper ideology," despite the Smithsonian's charter mandating operational independence from the federal government.
• In a recent interview, Bunch highlighted the Smithsonian's 250th anniversary exhibition, "American Aspirations," underscoring America as an ideal shaped by aspirations and the importance of honoring founding principles while striving for improvement.