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Smithsonian Director Rebuts White House Claim of Ideological Capture During Two Days of Capitol Hill Hearings

Her testimony has deepened a partisan fight over who controls museum content and whether Congress or the White House can use funding or governance to change exhibits.

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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Brandon Gill speaking in a hearing, Image 2 shows Director Hartig of the National Museum of American History sitting at a table with a microphone in front of her, Image 3 shows People visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Overview

  • Anthea M. Hartig defended the National Museum of American History before House panels on Tuesday and again on Wednesday, saying the White House report does not fairly or accurately describe the museum’s work.
  • The White House Domestic Policy Council published a 162-page review on July 4 that accused the museum and its leaders of 'extreme political activism' and cited specific exhibits and internal materials as evidence.
  • Republican lawmakers and conservative witnesses pressed Hartig on items including the 'MASS Action Toolkit,' a 'Girlhood (It’s Complicated)' display and Entertainment Nation content, and they warned of withholding federal funds or seeking leadership changes.
  • Democrats, historians and museum groups called the White House review an overreach and introduced the Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act to block federal interference in scholarship.
  • The dispute highlights the Smithsonian’s hybrid public–private funding and a Board of Regents that includes the vice president and members of Congress, giving elected officials clear levers over budget and governance and raising the prospect of funding riders, board actions, or legal fights next.