Congressman puts Smithsonian director in hot seat about organization's views on 'white supremacy'

Anthea Hartig, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

The director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History faced tough questioning on Capitol Hill Tuesday from members of Congress on the organization's views on "white supremacy."

Anthea Hartig appeared before a House Oversight subcommittee to answer questions about a report released by the White House earlier this month that accused the Smithsonian Institute of a biased portrayal of American history that fails to tell the country's story "honestly and in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic." The report also found that "in the Museum’s current telling, the country is, above all, defined by white supremacy, slavery, conquest, exclusion, hierarchy, racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and systemic injustice."

Hartig disputed the report's findings, saying, "I love the United States of America. I consider it the privilege of my career to help preserve its treasures and serve the American people," in her opening statement. 

But Hartig stumbled when answering pointed questions about the Smithsonian's stated viewpoints about American history, and, in particular, what the organization has said about white supremacy. A withering line of questioning from U.S. Representative Brandon Gill of Texas was especially revealing -- and amusing. 

"Would you say that the goal of history is to be objective?" Gill inquired.

"We strive to be objective and nonpartisan, and not based on any ideology," Hartig responded.

"Doesn't that seem a little concerning? It certainly does to me because as part of this white supremacy document that your organization has promoted," Gill said, referring to the Smithsonian's MASS action toolkit, "objectivity is a core and defining aspect of white supremacy culture. Do you think that it's the goal of the Smithsonian Institution to promote white supremacy culture? Are you promoting a white supremacy culture at the Smithsonian?”

After a long pause, Hartig said, "No, we're not promoting any ideology." She went on to say the toolkit wasn't developed by the Smithsonian, but Gill reminded her that it's been used for years under her leadership.

"Is Mickey Mouse racist?" Gill followed up.

"Mickey Mouse is not racist," Hartig responded. 

"One of your exhibits referenced Mickey Mouse as representing 'vestiges of longstanding traditions of black-faced minstrelsy.' Would you describe that as racist?"

Hartig then squirmed as she tried to finagle her way out of the question, arguing that the seminal Disney character is rooted in "minstrelsy" but isn't inherently racist, and that it's "important" to be accurate.

Gill then went on to question Hartig about the Smithsonian's stance on politeness, which the toolkit suggests is another defining hallmark of white supremacy culture and whether she herself if a white supremacist. Then he asked why the Smithsonian sells merchandise with the words "Latina Power" emblazoned on them. Watch the video below to see her response as well as a portion of the exchange.