Trump's Report Claims Smithsonian Engages in Anti-White Activism Amid Political Scrutiny

On July 4, the Trump administration released a report titled "Saving America's Story," accusing the Smithsonian Institution of fostering "anti-white activism" and promoting divisive narratives. This 162-page document, authored by the Domestic Policy Council, scrutinizes how the National Museum of American History (NMAH) addresses issues of race, immigration, and gender.

Accusations of Political Activism at the Smithsonian

The report criticizes NMAH Director Anthea M. Hartig, labeling her an "activist advancing an ideological agenda" that undermines the museum's mission of fostering patriotism. The administration's claims include allegations that the museum's hiring practices favor non-English speakers and individuals outside the United States, while neglecting opportunities for "whites, Christians, males, and Americans."

Additionally, the report condemns the museum's exhibition titled Many Voices, One Nation, which has been running since 2017. The exhibition is said to promote citizenship for undocumented immigrants, a claim that has drawn sharp criticism from Trump officials.

Specific Complaints Against Museum Exhibits

Among the specific grievances outlined in the report are the museum's inclusion of a protest prop from a 2018 march, symbolizing migration and resilience among undocumented immigrants. The report also notes a perceived lack of July 4 programming and the use of trans-inclusive language, alongside portrayals of historical figures like Christopher Columbus as a "thief." These elements are viewed by the Trump administration as indicative of the museum's alleged political bias.

The Smithsonian, which receives over $1 billion in federal funding annually, has been warned that funding could be withheld if it does not align with the administration's content demands.

Smithsonian's Response and Future Considerations

In response to inquiries regarding potential changes to its programming, a Smithsonian spokesperson emphasized the institution's commitment to nonpartisan scholarship. "For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship," the spokesperson stated.

Despite the administration's threats and ongoing scrutiny, historians have urged the public to document exhibits, fearing they may be altered or removed due to the current political climate. The administration has promised to issue "content corrections" to the Smithsonian, but no specific changes have been made public as of yet.