Anthea Hartig defends the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History against Republican accusations of radical ideological capture.
Anthea Hartig, the director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, testified before a House committee to address concerns regarding the museum's political direction. The administration released a report accusing the institution of "ideological capture," claiming it uses taxpayer dollars to promote a radical, activist agenda rather than a unifying national narrative. During the hearing, Anthea Hartig faced intense questioning from Republican lawmakers who criticized specific exhibits. Representative Brandon Gill questioned the museum's assertion that Mickey Mouse was inspired by blackface minstrelsy, while Heritage Foundation expert Mike Gonzalez argued that a display regarding Benjamin Franklin's experiments was a "smear" that lacked sufficient evidence. Despite the scrutiny, Anthea Hartig remained professional, stating she has no regrets about the museum's work but acknowledged that factual errors can occur. She defended the museum's commitment to telling the truth about the country's history, even when it highlights moments where the nation fell short of its ideals. The committee's debate highlighted a growing divide between conservative desires for simple, straightforward history and the complex, contextual approach favored by historians.