WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House published a 162-page Domestic Policy Council report titled "Saving America's Story" on July 4, 2026. The report criticizes the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (NMAH) and other museum leadership over alleged ideological bias, asserting 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 report claims the NMAH has "not created any exhibit dedicated to presenting a general narrative of American history" and fails "to provide America's young people access to what is genuinely inspiring and unifying in our history, as well as to the lessons imparted by the American experience of overcoming great national challenges." It further asserts that the NMAH disregards "the progress America has made and the ideals that continue to inspire millions."

The report states that the goal of the museum should be to "document and share the achievements and failures of the Nation," to "tell the truth, including of the Nation's mistakes and injustices," and to "tell the whole story of a nation, including the good and the bad." It describes Native American land acknowledgments as indicators of "an anti-American ideology that claims our country rests on stolen land" and as demonstrating "an anti-white agenda." The report further asserts that "much of the museum profession" engages in "discriminatory and likely illegal behaviors and practices" and accuses the Mellon Foundation of advocating for "discriminatory practices."

Anthea Hartig, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, conveyed a different perspective on the museum's programming. "Thank you for joining us this year as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence," Hartig said. "Throughout the museum you'll experience the history and legacies of the revolutionary generation that took a great leap into democracy together in 1776." She added that attendees would see how Americans have worked since that time to realize the ideals written into this groundbreaking document. "We are proud to celebrate the birth of the United States and will continue to share the stories of all Americans as we look to the next 250 years," she said.

The Domestic Policy Council report states that the NMAH's only special programming to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, "In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness," fails to celebrate America's Founders and the American Founding. The report notes the exhibition highlights 250 objects from the museum's collections, including artifacts such as the desk Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's uniform, an early U.S. Navy ship, and the 1813 flag that inspired the National Anthem.