House Republicans are threatening the Smithsonian’s federal funding amid GOP outrage over the museum system’s presentation of American history. The Smithsonian is accountable to the taxpayers, and using the legislative branch’s power of the purse could compel museum curators to change their approach, according to Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.

Accountability and Transparency

Rep. Clyde suggested that tying funding to specific requirements might be the most effective way to ensure the Smithsonian tells the truth about the American story and highlights the country’s exceptionalism. The House Appropriations Committee, which Rep. Clyde is a part of, is tasked with mapping out how Congress spends part of the yearly budget.

Another House Appropriations Committee member, Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., stated that the Smithsonian’s role is to teach historic facts, not to put the country under a political kaleidoscope of woke ideology. As Congressional Appropriators, it is their duty to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly, according to Rep. Cline.

Presidential Involvement

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to utilize existing avenues to restore trust in the Smithsonian Institution, including installing temporary exhibits or signage on federally owned sidewalks, walkways, and land used by the public that corrects inaccurate information presented in the Museum.

The issue came before Congress in July when Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, led a hearing where Republicans accused the National Museum of American History of promoting a politicized agenda on issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality, at the expense of accurate teachings. The Committee on House Administration, led by Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., led a similar hearing scrutinizing the Smithsonian’s teachings.

Democrats have accused Republicans of trying to whitewash controversial moments in history while erasing the struggles and contributions of the country’s minority populations. The House and Senate are working through proposals to fund the government for fiscal year 2027, which begins on October 1.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.