Smithsonian’s America 250 Exhibit Skews Liberal, Conservative Groups Say

The Smithsonian Institution’s “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness” exhibition, marking America’s 250th anniversary, has drawn fire from conservatives who say its 250 curated objects disproportionately highlight progressive movements and causes. A Fox News Digital analysis of the museum’s online catalog identified roughly seven items tied to conservative causes against nearly two dozen representing liberal movements, including LGBT rights, racial justice, abortion access and labor activism.

Historical artifacts in the exhibit range from the desk used to write the Declaration of Independence to Abraham Lincoln’s hat and items from the 1806 Lewis and Clark expedition. However, critics note the inclusion of objects such as a pink “pussy hat” from the 2017 Women’s March, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s gavel and a photograph of a 1970s drag queen alongside limited representation of Christianity and conservatism.

Conservative items on display include a MAGA hat, a Tea Party placard, a pro-life sign, a Ronald Reagan campaign shirt and a National Rifle Association button. The exhibit also features a dress worn by former First Lady Melania Trump, but these selections represent a stark contrast to the broader showcase of progressive causes and movements throughout the space.

The Smithsonian designated six items to represent Christianity, including church artifacts and a Bible, compared with four items dedicated to the gay rights movement. Even Christian objects carry narratives emphasizing social justice, such as a pew from a Black Presbyterian church highlighted for its pastor’s racial activism and a Bible displayed for its owner’s anti-slavery position.

Museum director Anthea Hartig told The Guardian that curators focused on “moments where individuals or communities had fought for recognition and advocated for their own sense of identity.” The exhibit also includes everyday household items, Star Wars props, sports memorabilia and technological artifacts spanning American history beyond overtly political objects.

The scrutiny arrives as President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans increasingly challenge how American institutions depict the nation’s historical narrative. The Smithsonian did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment regarding the exhibit’s ideological balance.