The White House released a 162-page report on July 4, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, sharply criticizing the Smithsonian Institution for what it describes as excessive political activism in its exhibits. The report, titled "Saving America’s Story," targets the National Museum of American History (NMAH) and other Smithsonian entities, accusing them of presenting American history through a lens that emphasizes injustice alongside achievement.

Among the objects singled out were a pair of cardboard butterfly wings, a dress once worn by tennis champion Billie Jean King, and a statue of Lady Liberty holding a basket of tomatoes. The report expresses particular discontent with exhibits that acknowledge the slaveholding pasts of founding figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton, arguing that discussions of historical "complexity" overwhelmingly focus on slavery, undermining a patriotic and celebratory narrative of the nation.

The report also claims that some museum content is inappropriate for children, citing as an example videos of contestants lip-syncing on the television program RuPaul’s Drag Race. The specific objections to King’s dress, which belonged to an openly lesbian athlete, remain unclear.

The Organization of American Historians, representing over 7,000 scholars, swiftly condemned the report. The group criticized it for reflecting less on the Smithsonian and more on the administration’s anxieties, stating that efforts to accurately portray American history—including its more difficult chapters—should not be construed as unpatriotic or divisive.

The report serves as a blueprint for elements within the Trump administration seeking to influence the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history. It underscores the institution’s reliance on funding governed by Congress and federal agencies, noting that its budget, exceeding $1 billion last year, is subject to controls by the Treasury Department, which reports to the president. It also highlights that museum staff are federal employees, suggesting potential presidential authority over hiring and firing within the institution.

Two senior White House officials, Vince Haley of the Domestic Policy Council and Russell Vought of the Office of Management and Budget, are identified as key influencers behind the report. Both have backgrounds in conservative think tanks and have contributed to Project 2025, an unofficial agenda for a second Trump term advocating substantial changes to federal arts and humanities programs.

Founded in 1846 through the bequest of British scientist James Smithson, the Smithsonian Institution is tasked with the "increase and diffusion of knowledge." Its museums, many located along the National Mall, are widely regarded as emblematic of American democratic values, attracting more than 16 million visitors annually. In addition to NMAH, the institution includes museums dedicated to African American history, Native American history, Asian art, and African art, reflecting the nation’s cultural and ethnic diversity.

Observers note that efforts to impose a uniform, uprooted narrative of history centered on dominant Anglo-Protestant ideals risk eroding the pluralistic foundation of the Smithsonian's mission. Critics argue that national museums are inherently ideological spaces and that a full and nuanced treatment of history—including its contradictions—is essential to democratic discourse.

The White House report’s demand for a simplified and celebratory narrative raises broader questions about the role of national institutions in shaping public understanding of history and the extent to which political considerations should influence cultural and educational content.