By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON — A new White House report has intensified the national debate over how American history should be presented, criticizing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History for what the Trump administration describes as an overly political interpretation of the nation’s past.
The 162-page report, released by the White House Domestic Policy Council, argues that some exhibits emphasize topics such as slavery, racism, and social conflict in ways that undermine confidence in American institutions. Administration officials said museums and national parks should place greater emphasis on patriotism, national achievement, and the country’s founding ideals.
“We must be committed to restoring truth and sanity in how American history is presented and taught,” the report states. It also contends that the museum has shifted away from traditional historical scholarship toward political advocacy.
The Smithsonian Institution rejected those claims, defending its long-standing commitment to independent, nonpartisan research and education.
“For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so,” Smithsonian spokesperson Julissa Marenco said in a statement.
The report comes as the Trump administration reviews how American history is presented at federally supported museums, monuments, and historic sites. It also follows discussion about the future leadership of Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, the institution’s first Black secretary.
During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Bunch defended the Smithsonian’s approach to history.
“I think what I want people to understand is that there is a responsibility to continue to make those aspirations available, accessible, meaningful to a whole range of people,” Bunch said. “America’s greatest strength is not running away from its history, but understanding how that history shaped us and continues to shape us.”
The debate highlights the differing views over how America’s story should be told as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary in 2026.