Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, appears in front of the House DOGE subcommittee on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
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During a subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, House Republicans intensely scrutinized Anthea Hartig, the director of the National Museum of American History. Their criticisms mirrored those of the Trump administration, which accused the museum of lacking patriotism.
This session was organized by the House’s Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, led by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn).
In his introduction, Burchett stated: “I feel like [the Smithsonian]’s become infected by a woke ideology that seeped into public displays, educational materials and planning documents. The American story is the birth and growth of a great nation founded on powerful ideals and which we aim to fully achieve. But in the museum’s current telling, history is just an ongoing power struggle between oppressors and the oppressed.”
A report released on July 4 by the White House Domestic Policy Council criticized the Smithsonian museum, claiming it had been overtaken by a radical ideology that opposes telling the true, honorable story of the nation.
The council accused the National Museum of American History of neglecting the Founding Fathers and early American history, failing to sufficiently celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, and promoting “anti-white,” “illegal alien,” and transgender activism. It also alleged that the museum attempted to indoctrinate teachers and students through its programs and resources.
Simultaneously, House Democrats released a 16-page rebuttal to the White House’s report, accusing the Trump administration of trying to harm the credibility of museums and scholars. They argue that this is part of a broader effort to manipulate the historical narrative. The Democrats cited recent public opinion surveys showing that museums remain among the most trusted institutions in the U.S., following only personal relationships.
The hearing was deeply divided along party lines. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) questioned Hartig about an exhibition titled “Girlhood,” which addressed gender identity and puberty. Mace provocatively asked, “When was your gender revealed to you, Dr. Hartig?”
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) pressed Hartig on whether the museum uses taxpayer funds to promote a divisive racial narrative. Hartig, maintaining her composure, replied that the Smithsonian is a proudly nonpartisan institution.
Democrats at the hearing linked the July 4 report to what they see as broader Republican attacks on museums, arts, and education. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) passionately defended the National Museum of African American History and Culture, asserting, “We will not let you destroy that museum, no matter how long it takes, how many battles are required, how much effort is needed.”
Neither the Smithsonian nor Rep. Burchett’s office immediately responded to NPR’s requests for comment.
According to the Smithsonian’s charter, its 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo are intended to operate independently of the federal government. The Smithsonian is overseen by Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and a board of regents that includes Vice President Vance, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, and other members appointed by Congress.
In her testimony, Hartig often echoed Bunch’s public remarks about the Smithsonian’s mission, emphasizing their commitment to representing all Americans.
Before the hearing, Hartig submitted a two-page statement to the subcommittee, expressing openness to feedback and embracing changes backed by evidence. She clarified that reframing historical narratives means incorporating previously overlooked evidence and perspectives, not erasing them. Hartig concluded, “Examining the harder chapters of our history is not the same as hostility toward America… Telling our history fully is not anti-American.”
Hartig is also set to testify before the House Administration Committee on Wednesday.
