Smithsonian

Topic · 2 reports

Smithsonian

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MS NOW Segment Slams White House Smithsonian Report

Jul 7, 2026

The segment opened with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch on the institution's mission of understanding and celebrating American history. Nicolle Wallace then detailed a new White House Domestic Policy Council report released July 4 that accuses National Museum of American History leadership of 'extreme political activism' and presenting U.S. history as one of 'regret, tragedy, and shame' rather than freedom and genius. Guests Maya Wiley and Dominic Patton discussed the report as part of broader efforts against DEI and attempts to shape cultural institutions, referencing the Kennedy Center and Bruce Springsteen's comments on 'critical patriotism'.

Source: MS NOW

ABC News reports on White House critique of Smithsonian history exhibits

Jul 6, 2026

The segment provides background on the Smithsonian Institution, noting its 1846 founding, 21 museums and National Zoo, collections exceeding 157 million items, 14.9 million visits in 2025, and over $1 billion in federal funding comprising 62% of its budget. Most museums are free except Cooper Hewitt. It includes a Smithsonian spokesperson statement affirming 180 years of nonpartisan, independent scholarship. The report references a White House Domestic Policy Council document accusing the institution, especially the National Museum of American History, of extreme political activism and a radical view of U.S. history.

Source: ABC News