Full Breakdown
Rep. Kweisi Mfume Warns of Erasure of Black History at Smithsonian Hearing
7/22/2026, 1:41:12 AM
Hearing Highlights the Administration’s Challenge to Black History
On Tuesday, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., addressed the House Oversight Committee’s DOGE Subcommittee, condemning recent federal actions that he says seek to diminish Black American history at the Smithsonian Institution. He warned that any attempt to “erase” the African American museum would be met with a direct replacement, framing the issue as a simple, binary choice.
Context of Federal Actions
According to the House press release, the Trump administration published a report on July 4 that falsely accused the museum of “extreme political activism.” The release characterizes the report as part of a broader effort to reshape the presentation of American history in federal museums, parks, and cultural sites. It also notes that, by 2026, Mfume has consistently pushed back against what he describes as the administration’s attempts to deny, denigrate, and obfuscate African American contributions. During his remarks, Mfume invoked former President Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing that history should teach the nation to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Official Statements & Responses
He concluded that erasing Black history would simply prompt a determined effort to restore it.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you erase it, we will replace it,” — Rep. Kweisi Mfume
- “Black people across this country are outraged at what is happening now with these efforts to do away with the African American museum and all of the Smithsonian,” — Congressman Mfume
