WASHINGTON — House Republicans intensified criticism of the Smithsonian Institution on Tuesday, accusing the National Museum of American History of portraying the United States primarily through the lens of conflict between "oppressors and the oppressed," as lawmakers questioned museum director Anthea Hartig during a congressional hearing examining the institution's exhibits and educational materials.
The hearing before the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency followed a July 4 report by the White House Domestic Policy Council that alleged the museum had embraced ideological bias and failed to adequately present what it described as the nation's founding ideals and achievements.
Subcommittee Chairman Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, said in his opening statement that the museum had become "infected by a woke ideology" and argued that its interpretation of American history had reduced the nation's story to "an ongoing power struggle between oppressors and the oppressed." Republican members also questioned Hartig about exhibits addressing race, gender identity and diversity initiatives.
Hartig rejected accusations that the museum sought to diminish American history, telling lawmakers that the Smithsonian's mission is to broaden historical understanding by incorporating the experiences of groups that have historically received less attention while preserving the nation's foundational story. She said the museum strives to represent all Americans and welcomes evidence-based criticism when exhibits require revision.
Responding to questions about patriotism, Hartig said the museum's goal is to inspire visitors through historical artifacts and scholarship rather than instruct them how to feel about the nation. She pointed to exhibitions featuring key objects from the American Revolution and the nation's founding as evidence that the museum continues to emphasize central chapters of U.S. history.
Democratic lawmakers defended the Smithsonian during the hearing, arguing that the administration's report mischaracterized the institution's work and formed part of a broader effort to reshape how American history is presented. They said museums should be able to examine both the country's achievements and its historical injustices without political interference.
The Smithsonian Institution, which operates 21 museums, the National Zoo and multiple research centers, receives substantial federal funding but is governed by a Board of Regents under its congressional charter. The hearing concluded without any announced legislative action, though Republican lawmakers said congressional oversight of the institution would continue.
