Smithsonian Director Dodges Gender Questions at House Hearing
National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig faced repeated questions about sex and gender during a contentious House hearing focused on alleged political activism at the Smithsonian.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., questioned Hartig about exhibits involving drag queens and gender identity. Mace began with a direct question: “Do you believe that men can become women?”
Hartig hesitated before responding, “Ma’am, as the director of the museum, that’s not relevant in this case.”
Mace immediately pushed back. “It’s very relevant,” she said. Pointing toward images of Smithsonian displays, Mace continued, “You’ve got men dressed up as women, and you have them on displays in front of kids. Do you think men can become women? Yes or no?”
Hartig did not give a yes-or-no response. Instead, she began discussing one of the displays shown behind Mace. The congresswoman interrupted and pressed her with another basic question: “What is a woman, Dr. Hartig?”
Hartig tried to answer by referring to her role as a director and historian, but Mace cut in again. Mace argued that because the museum had presented material about gender and sexuality, the question was directly connected to Hartig’s leadership.
Hartig eventually replied, “We strive to represent and not categorize all Americans.”
Mace then cited a museum glossary that reportedly says American culture traditionally recognizes two genders while other countries recognize three or more. She asked Hartig to explain how many genders there are.
Hartig asked, “Ma’am, which glossary?”
After Mace identified the display, Hartig said, “I’m not sure which glossary you’re speaking,” before adding, “I’m happy to get back to you about that glossary.”
Mace continued by referencing another exhibit stating that gender is not always revealed at birth. She asked when gender is revealed and then directed the question personally at Hartig: “When was your gender revealed to you, Dr. Hartig?”
Hartig answered, “I don’t really think that’s relevant to the conversation.” Mace disagreed and repeated that the question was tied to the museum’s own exhibit. Hartig began responding by mentioning her Ph.D. before yielding the floor back to the committee chair.
The questioning came after a White House report criticized the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History for what it described as ideological activism. The 162-page report, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” argued that the museum should present the nation’s history with greater honesty, seriousness, and pride.
The report also said the museum had turned the American story into a political instrument instead of presenting it as a shared national inheritance. It called for a more unified and fact-based approach to exhibits funded by taxpayers.
Hartig said in her opening statement that the Smithsonian took the White House Domestic Policy Council’s concerns seriously. She also said the institution was fact-checking the report and disputed its characterization of the museum’s work.
The exchange with Mace is likely to keep attention focused on how the Smithsonian handles exhibits involving gender, sexuality, and children, as well as broader questions about political balance at taxpayer-supported cultural institutions.