Republicans allege Smithsonian’s leadership dominated by former Democratic staff and DEI advocates

An investigation identified roughly two dozen individuals in senior Smithsonian positions who formerly worked for Democratic politicians or progressive nonprofits, suggesting a concerted emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion in staffing. Critics in Congress and the Heritage Foundation contend that this background has steered the National Museum of American History toward exhibits emphasizing race, gender and social justice, marginalizing traditional narratives of the nation’s founding.

Roshni Lal, who leads academic appointments, has a career centered on DEI initiatives, and other senior staff have histories with the Urban Institute, NAACP and former Democratic leaders. Smithsonian representatives maintain that appointments are merit-based and the museum remains nonpartisan. In response, Republican committees have conducted hearings and signal possible budgetary measures to curb what they view as politicized displays.