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Smithsonian

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Rep. Brandon Gill questions Smithsonian director on Mickey Mouse exhibit and toolkit

Jul 26, 2026

The segment airs a clip from a July 22, 2026 House Oversight Subcommittee hearing featuring Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) questioning Dr. Anthea Hartig, Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Gill challenges the museum over an exhibit linking Mickey Mouse to blackface minstrelsy traditions and references to a 'White Supremacy Culture' document within a Mass Action Toolkit promoted by the institution. Hartig responds that the museum did not develop the toolkit, denies promoting any ideology, and clarifies the historical roots of the character without labeling it racist. The second paragraph notes the sourcing relies on the live hearing footage with Gill holding up printed materials; no additional experts or counter-sources appear in the segment.

Source: Forbes Breaking News

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House Panel Questions Smithsonian History Museum Director on Exhibits and Review Process

Jul 25, 2026

The Forbes clip shows a House Oversight subcommittee hearing where Rep. Brian Jack questions witness Mike Gonzalez of the Heritage Foundation about perceived ideological influences at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Gonzalez cites staff training, a co-authored toolkit, and an exhibit on Ben Franklin. Jack then questions Director Anthea Hartig on regrets, mistakes, leadership feedback, and the SD-603 review process. Hartig affirms pride in the work with no regrets, notes minor factual fixes like a coin label, and describes the internal review. Gonzalez recommends replacing leadership.

Source: Forbes Breaking News

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Mace questions Smithsonian museum director on gender exhibit diary and child visitors

Jul 22, 2026

The clip shows Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) questioning Dr. Anthea Hartig, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, during a July 21, 2026 House DOGE subcommittee hearing on alleged political activism. Mace asks about child visitors, appropriateness of a diary in the 'Girlhood (It's Complicated)' exhibit, and poses direct questions on gender identity. Hartig states the temporary exhibit was not designed for children and featured a 13-year-old's diary on puberty. She declines to answer philosophical questions as irrelevant to her role. The exchange occurred amid Republican scrutiny of Smithsonian curation.

Source: Maceopedia