Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III responds to a White House Domestic Policy Council report that criticizes the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s approach to presenting American history. The report alleges the museum is guided by a “radical” and “activist” ideology and suggests it is drifting from its mission. In an email to Smithsonian staff, Bunch disputes the characterization and pushes back against the report’s claims. According to multiple outlets, Bunch emphasizes the museum’s commitment to “accuracy and integrity,” arguing that its work is grounded in responsible historical scholarship rather than political activism. The reporting also notes that the email was made public, including through a publication that reported on the dispute. Bunch’s response frames the disagreement as one about how the museum fulfills its educational and historical responsibilities, rather than an acceptance of the White House framing. The exchanges highlight a broader public dispute over the interpretation of American history and the role of major cultural institutions in presenting it.