Dr. Jody Edward Ginn Accuses Smithsonian of Shifting from Education to Activism
Dr. Jody Edward Ginn, a historian and museum professional, stated that the Smithsonian has transitioned from a primary mission of public education to one of political activism. During a recent visit to the National Museum of American History, Ginn observed that the institution now seeks to direct visitors toward specific actions rather than providing information for independent decision-making. He noted that the museum's current exhibits often include graphic and sexually explicit content that may be out of sync with its previous scholarly standards. This critique aligns with a broader effort by the administration to overhaul the institution. The administration announced a 162-page report, "Saving America's Story," which argues that the National Museum of American History has undergone "ideological capture." The report recommends removing divisive narratives and restoring a more patriotic presentation of American history that emphasizes the nation's founding principles and achievements. The administration has issued executive orders to task the White House Domestic Policy Council and Vice President JD Vance with ensuring the Smithsonian celebrates American exceptionalism and restores truth and sanity to the nation's historical narrative.