Trump Targets Smithsonian: White House Report Slams 'Radical' Leadership

White House Report Accuses Smithsonian of Pushing 'Anti-American' Narratives

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping attack on the Smithsonian Institution, accusing its leadership of harboring 'radical activists' who present a distorted, unpatriotic version of American history. A 162-page report titled 'Saving America's Story,' released by the White House Domestic Policy Council on July 4, 2026, claims the world's largest museum and research complex has abandoned its educational mission in favor of political indoctrination.

The report specifically targets the National Museum of American History and its director, Anthea Hartig, alleging that exhibits focus disproportionately on slavery, systemic racism, and oppression while downplaying the achievements of Founding Fathers and patriotic symbols. 'The museum presents America as a problematic country founded by men with great flaws, defined by white supremacy, slavery, conquest, exclusion, racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and systemic injustice,' the document states.

What Is the Smithsonian Institution?

Founded in 1846 with a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, the Smithsonian Institution is a trust instrumentality of the U.S. federal government comprising 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo. Its collection spans over 157 million objects, including iconic artifacts such as the Star-Spangled Banner, the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer, and the Apollo 11 command module. With an annual budget of approximately $1.25 billion — two-thirds from federal appropriations — the Smithsonian attracts more than 30 million visitors each year, most of whom enter free of charge.

Key Allegations in the White House Report

The 'Saving America's Story' report outlines several specific grievances against the Smithsonian's leadership and exhibitions:

• Lack of patriotic symbols: Promotional materials allegedly contain no images of Founding Fathers, the Statue of Liberty, the American flag, or the bald eagle.
• Negative portrayal of historical figures: Christopher Columbus is depicted as a 'murderer, thief, and slaveholder,' while Benjamin Franklin's exhibit dedicates significant space to the slaves he owned.
• Minimizing the 250th anniversary: The Smithsonian reportedly failed to mount special programming or temporary exhibitions for America's semiquincentennial celebration.
• Ideological bias: Director Anthea Hartig is accused of describing history as a 'tool of social justice' and calling America 'complicated to love.'

The report warns visitors: 'Warning: the exhibitions here were made by people who don't want you to love your country.' It calls for removing 'divisive narratives' and 'improper ideology' from all Smithsonian museums, aligning with President Trump's March 2026 executive order 14253, 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.'

The Smithsonian Institution funding controversy has intensified as the administration also uses budget levers to pressure the institution. The White House's Office of Management and Budget has directed the Smithsonian to spend funds 'consistent with the FY 2026 President's Budget,' which cuts $131.2 million — about 12% — from the institution's federal allocation, and eliminates funding for the National Museum of the American Latino.

Smithsonian's Response and Broader Context

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, the first African American to lead the institution, has defended the museum's approach. In remarks during the July 4 weekend, Bunch stated: 'The greatest strength of America is that it does not look away from its history, but understands how that history has shaped us and continues to shape us.' The Smithsonian has not issued a formal response to the report's allegations.

Historians and museum professionals have pushed back against the White House's characterization. Many note that the report cherry-picks examples and misrepresents the museum's commitment to balanced scholarship. The American Alliance of Museums has voiced concern over what it calls 'political interference in professional museum practice.'

This attack on the Smithsonian is part of a broader pattern under the Trump administration. Similar cultural institution reforms under Trump have included overhauling the Kennedy Center's programming, removing Trump's name from its building, forcing national parks to alter interpretive texts, and threatening universities with funding cuts unless they eliminate diversity programs. The administration has also pressured the National Endowment for the Humanities funding changes to align with its vision.

What's at Stake for the Smithsonian?

The Smithsonian's federal funding — roughly $800 million annually — is now at the center of a political tug-of-war. Congress has so far maintained the institution's budget despite the president's request for cuts. However, the OMB directive could force the Smithsonian to choose between following the president's budget (potentially violating the Antideficiency Act) or following Congress's appropriations (risking a confrontation with the White House).

Beyond funding, the report signals the administration's intent to reshape the narrative of American history presented to the public. Critics argue this amounts to censorship and a whitewashing of the nation's past. The report itself acknowledges that 'we can and must confront the injustices of slavery, the treatment of indigenous peoples, and other serious mistakes,' but insists this must be done 'without looking at our country with distrust, resentment, and division.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smithsonian Institution?

The Smithsonian is a group of museums, education and research centers created by the U.S. federal government in 1846 'for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.' It operates 21 museums, the National Zoo, and numerous research facilities, mostly in Washington, D.C.

Why is the Trump administration targeting the Smithsonian?

The administration claims the Smithsonian has abandoned its mission to inspire patriotism and instead promotes a negative, divisive view of American history focused on racism, oppression, and national failure. A White House report accuses leadership of being 'radical activists.'

What is the 'Saving America's Story' report?

Released July 4, 2026, by the Domestic Policy Council, this 162-page report details allegations that the National Museum of American History pushes 'woke' ideology, minimizes Founding Fathers, and emphasizes systemic injustice. It calls for reforms to restore the museum's original mission.

How much federal funding does the Smithsonian receive?

The Smithsonian's annual budget is about $1.25 billion, with roughly two-thirds ($800 million+) coming from annual federal appropriations. The Trump administration has proposed cutting this by about $131 million (12%) for FY 2026.

Has the Smithsonian responded to the report?

Secretary Lonnie Bunch has defended the institution's approach, stating that America's strength lies in confronting its full history. The Smithsonian has not issued a formal written response to the report's specific allegations.

Sources

• White House Domestic Policy Council, 'Saving America's Story' report, July 4, 2026. Read the full report
• Associated Press, 'Trump administration report accuses Smithsonian leaders of being activists,' July 5, 2026.
• The Independent, 'White House report accuses Smithsonian leadership of being radical activists,' July 5, 2026.
• Newsmax, 'White House Report Slams Smithsonian's 'Woke' Approach to History,' July 5, 2026.
• Smithsonian Institution, FY 2026 Budget Request to Congress.
• Notus, 'Trump Uses OMB Directive to Pressure Smithsonian on Spending,' 2026.