A new White House report is taking aim at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, accusing its leadership of using the past as a political weapon. The 162-page document, released on July 4 with the title "Saving America’s Story," alleges that the museum has abandoned its educational mission in favor of pushing an "extreme" ideology.

"Our central finding is not that the Museum has simply added overlooked stories, corrected perceived errors, or broadened its historical scope," the report states. "Rather, it is that Museum leadership has explicitly adopted an ideological framework that no longer treats the American story as a shared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as a political instrument to divide, dispirit, and discourage our citizens."

The museum, which opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology before being renamed in 1980, houses exhibits on U.S. history, politics, and popular culture. In May, it opened a new exhibition called "In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness," featuring 250 objects across three floors that explore the ideals of the Declaration of Independence ahead of the country's 250th birthday.

The White House report claims the museum has shifted "from history to activism," pointing to Director Anthea Hartig's statement that she views history as a "prime tool of social justice." It also says the museum fails to teach visitors enough about the Founding Fathers, has "problematized" the anniversary, and advocates for minority groups. "This ideological capture has moved the Museum’s mission away from straightforward historical education and scholarship toward an extreme political activism that seeks to transform our country," the report adds.

The Smithsonian pushed back against the accusations. "For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so," a spokesperson told The Hill on Sunday.

Secretary Lonnie Bunch III also defended a more complex presentation of history. "History is really about ambiguity, complexity, nuance, debate," he told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, adding that the anniversary should help Americans think about the past and the future. "As America turns 250, it’s really important that we have a commitment to telling the complete story of America," Bunch said. "Our job is to say, how do we tell an accurate history… that challenges America to live up to its ideals?"

The clash follows President Trump’s March executive order directing officials to restore federal museums and parks as "solemn and uplifting public monuments." The order also instructed Vice President JD Vance to work with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) if needed, on appointing "citizen" members to the Smithsonian Board of Regents. The Smithsonian review was formed as part of Trump’s broader America 250 push.

This is a debate about more than just museum exhibits. It's about how a nation tells its own story—and who gets to decide what that story should be.