Smithsonian

Legal expert Cully Stimson criticized the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, calling its historical portrayal of the United States a negative, "self-loathing" oppressor-versus-oppressed narrative. The comments followed congressional hearings initiated after a White House report accused the museum of advancing DEI and left-wing agendas. Stimson stated that these hearings exposed what he described as "bile that they’re trying to pass off as history."

The article features several headlines regarding political controversy, including a Bishop warning about the Smithsonian’s anti-American ‘indoctrination,’ and reports on Donald Trump doubling down on reflecting pool vandalism allegations. Other covered topics include Bernie Sanders demanding Democrats ban super PACs from primaries, discussions of Flock Safety cameras needing constitutional guardrails, and various sports updates.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig stated in a February 2025 presentation that 'history as a practice' is a 'prime tool of social justice,' contrasting with her recent congressional testimony defending the Smithsonian's nonpartisanship. The remarks resurfaced amid hearings on alleged 'woke ideological capture' at the institution. Hartig highlighted the museum's shift toward an 'equity-based, justice forward' approach, including land acknowledgments and images from Black Lives Matter protests.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig acknowledged calling history a 'prime tool of social justice' in a 2025 UCLA presentation, contrasting with her recent congressional testimony defending the Smithsonian's nonpartisanship. Hartig highlighted the museum's 'bold new vision' to become more inclusive and accessible while referencing a defaced American flag from a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in her presentation.

The Smithsonian faces political pressure from the White House but remains popular among Americans, who value its free access and collections. Surveys indicate most Americans oppose presidential influence over museums and trust them as reliable information sources, even as other institutions see declining public confidence.

The Michigan primary is testing divisions within the Democratic Party as highlighted in the article. Additional headlines include a historian's criticism of the Smithsonian, Cracker Barrel angering customers, and various political and social issues such as ICE arrests, President Trump's remarks on oil companies, and debates over health policies and cultural topics.

A historian and museum professional criticized the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History for shifting from an educational mission to activism, citing changes in exhibits and content after a visit following over a decade. The Trump administration and conservatives have accused the museum of failing to present history in a unifying manner, with lawmakers raising concerns about explicit exhibits and activist-oriented materials during a House hearing.

A historian accused the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History of shifting from an educational mission to activism after a visit, citing explicit exhibits and a focus on directing visitors to action. The Trump administration and conservatives have criticized the museum for its portrayal of history, with lawmakers questioning its exhibits in a recent House hearing.

Todd Blanche is nearing Senate confirmation following an agreement with GOP holdouts. Additional headlines cover Trump's actions against 'woke' ideology at the Smithsonian, a sheriff's statement on Nancy Guthrie's investigation, and other national news.

President Donald Trump's administration launched a review of the Smithsonian to address perceived 'woke' ideology, culminating in a 162-page report recommending reforms. The White House investigated exhibits, programming, and internal records, criticizing the institution for prioritizing 'divisive' narratives over patriotic history.

President Donald Trump's administration initiated a review of the Smithsonian Institution, alleging it promoted divisive historical narratives. The effort included examining exhibits, educational materials, and leadership statements, culminating in a 162-page report recommending reforms to emphasize patriotic American history.

President Donald Trump's administration is proposing reduced funding for the Smithsonian, targeting its Biden-era budgets that increased from $1.11 billion to $1.24 billion. The Trump administration aims to eliminate 'woke' ideology from the institution, conducting reviews and a 162-page report to reshape its exhibits, programming, and leadership. The 2026 and 2027 budget requests would be the first below $1 billion since 2020.

The Trump administration is proposing to reduce the Smithsonian's budget below $1 billion for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, reversing Biden-era increases that reached $1.24 billion in 2024. The move aligns with efforts to eliminate 'woke' ideology from federally funded museums and programs, including a 162-page White House report recommending reforms to the institution's exhibits, leadership, and spending priorities.

Trump officials, after claiming bias at the Smithsonian, have staged a patriotic exhibition aimed at 'making visual arts great,' featuring artwork by individuals connected to the planners.

Over 20 former Democratic staffers and progressive nonprofit workers hold key leadership roles at the Smithsonian, leading to GOP allegations of bias.

President Donald Trump issued an executive action requiring new 'temporary exhibits or signage' at the National Museum of American History to address claims of 'ideological capture' at the Smithsonian.

Rep. Brandon Gill supports President Trump's executive order targeting alleged ideological bias at the Smithsonian and calls for museum officials to be fired over left-wing influence. The order mandates warning signs at National Park Service walkways near the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and requires temporary exhibits to 'correct' historical narratives.

Rep. Mike Carey questioned Smithsonian leadership about removing 'American history' from the National Museum of American History's mission statement, citing a shift to move beyond 'America-first mentality.' The debate reflects broader political tensions over how to portray U.S. history, with progressive leaders emphasizing social justice and conservative lawmakers opposing narratives they view as critical of national ideals.

Rep. Mike Carey questioned Smithsonian leadership about removing 'American history' from the National Museum of American History's mission statement, citing a goal to move beyond an 'America-first mentality.' The issue reflects broader political debates over national identity and historical narratives, with progressive museum officials emphasizing social justice and conservative lawmakers advocating for traditional American ideals.

The Trump administration removed an exhibit at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia that highlighted George Washington’s enslavement of individuals, including Ona Judge. A new exhibit, installed by the National Park Service, emphasizes Washington’s anti-slavery views and posthumous emancipation, which critics argue distorts history by downplaying his active role in slavery.

Trump has directed the Smithsonian to post warnings about 'inaccurate' US history. The Trump administration accuses the world's largest research museum of harboring an anti-American bias.

President Donald Trump ordered the installation of signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History directing visitors to 'accurate' historical information based on a White House report. The executive order also mandates a temporary exhibit to address what the administration claims are inaccuracies in the museum's portrayal of U.S. history, following criticism from Trump's Domestic Policy Council about the institution's 'divisive' narratives.

President Donald Trump ordered the installation of signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to direct visitors to a White House report criticizing the museum's portrayal of history. The executive order also mandates a temporary exhibit to address perceived inaccuracies, following a report from Trump's Domestic Policy Council that accused the museum of promoting divisive narratives. The Smithsonian, which operates independently, defended its exhibits as accurate and unbiased.

President Trump ordered federal officials to install signs outside the National Museum of American History to correct what he claims is inaccurate information presented by the institution about American history. The directive targets the museum's portrayal of historical facts.

A Congressman criticized the Smithsonian and America's 'woke reckoning' during hearings that addressed institutions adopting anti-liberal principles. The article highlights concerns about corporations and universities embracing such principles.

The director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Anthea Hartig, rejected a White House report that labeled the museum's leadership as radical activists. Hartig defended the museum's approach to history as inclusive and factual, countering claims that it promotes divisive narratives. The White House criticized the museum for not adequately celebrating American history and lacking exhibits on foundational events.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch disputed a White House report that accused the American history museum of promoting a 'radical view' of American history. The report was described as 'scathing' by the museum.

The Smithsonian's Citizen Historians project documents exhibits amid concerns over censorship, a judge dismissed Trump's $3.8 billion defamation suit against the Washington Post, CREW tracks donors to Trump's projects, an appeals court blocked Trump from reinstating his name at the Kennedy Center, and three individuals were charged for damaging the Reflecting Pool.

A White House report accuses the Smithsonian of bias and hostility toward White people in its historical narratives. The Smithsonian's leadership disputes these claims, and a Washington Post op-ed argues the White House itself has a bias problem. The op-ed's author, Philip Kennicott, discusses the issue.

President Trump and his allies have criticized the Smithsonian's presentation of American history and culture, calling it 'improper ideology.' The dispute centers on the portrayal of U.S. history and cultural narratives.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt, created by Cleve Jones, is the largest communal art project in the world, commemorating those lost to AIDS through over 50,000 handmade panels. It began in 1987 to humanize the epidemic, which faced stigma and inadequate government response, and has grown to cover a mile-long stretch on the National Mall.

Trump is positioned as a central figure in his party's efforts to shape the 250th anniversary of American independence, while competing groups like Freedom 250 and America 250 highlight political divisions. The National Mall's Great American State Fair and July Fourth events underscore the partisan tensions surrounding the anniversary.

A mysterious 'golden orb' discovered 2 miles deep in the Gulf of Alaska in 2023 has been identified as a remnant of a rare giant deep-sea anemone, Relicanthus daphneae, through a collaborative scientific investigation by NOAA and the Smithsonian. The object, initially sparking speculation as an alien egg or unknown species, was analyzed using morphological, genetic, and bioinformatics methods.

A pre-dawn collision between a work vehicle and a stationary train in Washington, D.C., injured 11 people and caused major disruptions on the Silver Line, including limited service and delays. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, with Metro Center reopening around 5:15 a.m., but delays continued through the morning.