Smithsonian too focused on 'oppressors and the oppressed,' say House Republicans

Key Points:

• House Republicans sharply criticized Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, accusing the museum of promoting a "woke ideology" and insufficient patriotism during a subcommittee hearing chaired by Rep. Tim Burchett.
• The White House Domestic Policy Council's July 4 report accused the museum of downplaying the Founding Fathers, celebrating the country's 250th anniversary inadequately, and promoting divisive activism, claims the museum and Democrats strongly dispute.
• Democrats issued a rebuttal accusing the Trump administration of attempting to undermine museums' credibility and control historical narratives, emphasizing museums' high public trust and condemning GOP attacks on cultural institutions.
• The hearing featured partisan exchanges, with GOP members questioning the museum's inclusion of gender identity and racial narratives, while Democrats defended the museum's role in representing diverse American histories.
• Hartig emphasized the museum's commitment to inclusivity and truthful storytelling, stating that expanding historical narratives is not anti-American but honors the nation's ideals, and she is scheduled to testify again before the House Administration Committee.