A White House report has criticized the leadership of the Smithsonian Institution, particularly at the National Museum of American History, as radical activists who cannot be trusted to tell America’s story honestly.

Report Details

The report, released by the White House Domestic Policy Council, states that the Smithsonian Institution under its current leadership has become subject to institutional capture by a radical, activist ideology that is fundamentally opposed to telling the noble, honest story of the United States.

The report’s authors argue that the museum’s mission has moved away from straightforward historical education and scholarship toward an extreme political activism that seeks to transform the country.

Response from Smithsonian Leadership

Historian Lonnie Bunch, the Smithsonian’s current secretary, has emphasized the importance of understanding and learning from America’s history, rather than trying to rewrite it.

Bunch stated, ‘The notion of being a more perfect union, not the perfect union, is really what motivates me.’ He also emphasized the need to make America’s aspirations accessible and meaningful to all people.

Broader Context

This report is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to overhaul cultural institutions in the United States, which he believes have become too liberal.

Trump has previously taken steps to force changes at the Smithsonian Institution, including an executive order targeting funding for programs that advance ‘divisive narratives’ and ‘improper ideology’.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.