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White House report brands Smithsonian leadership as radical activists who can't be trusted
By Steve Peoples | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 4 min read
A White House report brands the leadership of the Smithsonian Institution, especially at the National Museum of American History, as radical activists who cannot be trusted, indicating that President Donald Trump may be preparing to install his own team.
The report released late on Independenc...
Key takeaway The report released late on Independence Day by the White House Domestic Policy Council comes in the midst of Trump’s aggressive campaign to overhaul some of Washington’s most sacred cultural and historic institutions.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The White House report's criticism of the Smithsonian Institution's leadership has significant implications for Los Angeles , where many residents and tourists visit Smithsonian-affiliated museums and cultural institutions. The report's accusations of "radical activism" and "ideological capture" may resonate with some Angelenos who feel that cultural institutions have become too politicized. However, others may see this as an attempt to impose a partisan agenda on revered institutions, potentially undermining their credibility and independence. As the nation's second-largest city, Los Angeles has a diverse population with a wide range of views on history, culture, and politics. The city's own cultural institutions, such as museums and historical societies, may be watching this development closely, wondering if they could be next on the list for similar criticism or overhaul. The report's release may also spark a local debate about the role of cultural institutions in shaping our understanding of American history and identity.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A White House report brands the leadership of the Smithsonian Institution, especially at the National Museum of American History, as radical activists who cannot be trusted, indicating that President Donald Trump may be preparing to install his own team.
The report released late on Independenc...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Peoples | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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