Story perspectives

Smithsonian Director Testifies Amid Trump Order to Remove Slavery Exhibits

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Smithsonian director Anthea Hartig testified before a House subcommittee on July 22, 2026.
Rep. Tim Burchett, chair of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, said the Smithsonian was infected by a ‘woke ideology.’
President Donald Trump signed the executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” in March 2025, ordering the removal of slavery-related exhibits from federal museums.
Hartig defended the museum as committed to rigorous, fact-based experiences.

History

Historical Context

After the National Center for History in the Schools released the controversial 1994 U.S. History standards—later rejected by many state boards—a mid-1990s backlash marked the first major federal-museum clash. In 2026 Rep. Tim Burchett subpoenaed Smithsonian director Anthea Hartig, echoing those earlier disputes and showing how standards battles continue to shape national cultural policy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Smithsonian director Anthea Hartig testified before a House subcommittee on July 22, 2026.
Rep. Tim Burchett, chair of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, said the Smithsonian was infected by a ‘woke ideology.’
President Donald Trump signed the executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” in March 2025, ordering the removal of slavery-related exhibits from federal museums.
Hartig defended the museum as committed to rigorous, fact-based experiences.

1 / 2