The AHA endorses the Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026, introduced by Reps. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) in response to ongoing attacks on the Smithsonian by the Trump administration. The bill, which states that “the United States has a responsibility to ensure that [museums, archives, and cultural institutions] present accurate, evidence-based accounts of American history, including achievements, conflicts, injustices, and the experiences of diverse communities,” would codify the independence of the Smithsonian by barring political interference by Federal officials and mandating the reporting of any attempt at such interference.
Executive director Sarah Weicksel advocated for the bill at a press conference at the US Capitol on September 17. “When people walk through the doors of the Smithsonian, they are inspired, surprised, excited, moved to tears—by the artifacts and the stories they find there,” she said. “Preserving the Smithsonian’s independence ensures that visitors can continue to learn from the entirety of the American story and that it continues to be one of the United States’ most beloved and trusted institutions.”
The administration’s actions against the Smithsonian have included executive orders that threaten the institution’s independence and demands to overhaul exhibits to align with the administration’s ideological aims. The AHA has repeatedly affirmed its support for the Smithsonian, submitting testimony to Congress and speaking to major news outlets about the importance of the Smithsonian’s independence.