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The Smithsonian's historical displays are "troubling" because of "what's in there … but also what's missing," Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, told Newsmax on Tuesday.
Appearing on "Wake Up America" with co-hosts Sharla McBride and Marc Lotter, Cloud said he expects House lawmakers to press Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig over what Republicans say is a growing left-wing bias in the museum's exhibits.
Cloud, who serves on the House subcommittee holding Tuesday's hearing, said visitors no longer receive the inspiring account of America's founding they would expect from the nation's premier history museum.
"Hopefully we'll find out the why behind the what," Cloud said. "It doesn't take anything more than the casual observer to walk through the museum and see this isn't your father's or your mother's American History Museum."
He pointed to exhibits featuring drag performances and what he described as "questionable books for kids," while arguing that foundational moments in American history receive little attention.
"You would think on the 250th anniversary of America's history maybe there would be this huge exhibit on the Declaration of Independence — not to be found," Cloud said.
The White House Domestic Policy Council recently released a report accusing the Smithsonian of promoting an ideologically driven version of American history, allegations museum officials have rejected.
A Smithsonian spokesperson has maintained that the institution has served the public for more than 180 years through "nonpartisan and independent scholarship."
Cloud, however, said his own visit left him surprised by how difficult it was to find exhibits highlighting some of the nation's best-known Founding Fathers.
"I went through the museum recently and I just was like, 'Hey, let me, let me see if I can find anything on John Adams,'" Cloud said. "It was much more difficult than you would think."
Cloud also said stories about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other iconic figures are overshadowed by exhibits focused on more recent cultural and social issues.
"Where's that story that unites us?" he asked. "That E pluribus unum, where we say, out of many, became one — this great nation that's done amazing things for the people who live here."
Republicans have increasingly scrutinized federally funded cultural institutions, arguing they should celebrate America's achievements rather than emphasize themes they say divide the country.
Cloud said the Smithsonian should better reflect the nation's shared heritage, especially as America prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary.
"The question is, where do the American people go if they can't go to their own history museum to find out America's history?" he said.
Cloud also briefly addressed efforts to avoid a government shutdown, saying Republicans are working to pass a continuing resolution while advancing President Donald Trump's agenda, including the SAVE America Act, and ensuring the military remains fully funded.
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