Miranda Devine: The Smithsonian Reeks of Communist Ideologies That Our Founding Fathers Would Be Ashamed Of

The Smithsonian Institution’s Shift Toward Communist Ideologies

The Smithsonian Institution, long regarded as America’s premier museum and cultural establishment, has undergone a dramatic transformation that has alarmed many patriotic Americans. Miranda Devine, a prominent opinion columnist, argues that the Smithsonian now reeks of communist ideologies—an ideological shift that would surely make the Founding Fathers ashamed. Once a beacon for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge among men,” the Smithsonian has allegedly been hijacked by Marxist and woke agendas, distorting the nation’s history and values.

According to Devine, the Smithsonian’s exhibits and educational programs have increasingly embraced narratives that promote self-loathing and anti-American sentiment. Instead of celebrating the achievements of the Founding Fathers and the nation’s founding principles, the institution now focuses on portraying America as fundamentally racist, oppressive, and morally corrupt. This ideological pivot has sparked fierce debates about the role of museums in shaping public understanding of history and identity.

How Marxist Ideology Has Influenced Smithsonian Exhibits

The infiltration of communist and Marxist ideologies into the Smithsonian is evident in several controversial exhibits and institutional policies. For example, the museum has been criticized for labeling traditional American values such as politeness, punctuality, objectivity, and hard work as “white supremacy culture.” This framing suggests that virtues once considered universally admirable are now being reinterpreted as tools of systemic racism.

Moreover, beloved American icons like Mickey Mouse have been controversially linked to racist tropes such as blackface minstrelsy, a claim that has sparked outrage among visitors and lawmakers alike. The Smithsonian has also been accused of downplaying or outright ignoring the positive contributions of key historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, instead emphasizing their alleged moral failings or complicity in slavery.

The institution’s leadership, particularly Secretary Anthea Hartig, has openly embraced a “social justice” mission that prioritizes reframing traditional historical narratives. Hartig’s congressional testimony revealed a dismissive attitude toward concerns about politicization, further fueling criticism that the Smithsonian is no longer a neutral custodian of history but an active participant in ideological battles.

The Impact on American Education and National Identity

The Smithsonian’s ideological shift has profound implications beyond museum walls. With over 20 million annual visitors and millions of students engaging with its educational content, the institution plays a crucial role in shaping how Americans understand their history and identity. The promotion of anti-American narratives risks fostering cynicism and division among younger generations.

During the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, the Smithsonian even collected debris from riots as “historical artifacts,” signaling an endorsement of radical social movements. Exhibits highlighting transgenderism and sexually explicit themes have further alienated traditional audiences who expect the museum to uphold cultural and historical standards.

Critics argue that the Smithsonian’s embrace of divisive and radical ideologies undermines the unifying principles that the Founding Fathers envisioned. Instead of inspiring pride in American achievements and values, the museum now appears to promote a narrative of victimhood and systemic oppression that threatens national cohesion.

Why the Founding Fathers Would Be Ashamed

The Founding Fathers of the United States established a nation grounded in liberty, individual rights, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Smithsonian Institution was created to honor these ideals by educating the public and preserving America’s rich heritage. Miranda Devine contends that the current direction of the Smithsonian betrays these founding principles.

By promoting communist ideologies and rewriting history through a woke lens, the Smithsonian disregards the Enlightenment values that inspired its creation. The institution’s focus on identity politics, racial guilt, and social justice activism conflicts with the Founders’ vision of a united republic based on merit, freedom, and objective truth.

Furthermore, the Smithsonian’s refusal to prominently feature the Founding Fathers or celebrate their contributions diminishes the legacy of those who fought to establish the United States. Instead, the museum’s exhibits often vilify these figures, painting them as oppressors rather than patriots.

This ideological betrayal not only disrespects the Founders but also endangers the transmission of American values to future generations. If left unchecked, the Smithsonian’s current trajectory could contribute to a broader cultural decline marked by division, resentment, and historical revisionism.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

In light of these concerns, many voices have called for urgent reform of the Smithsonian Institution. Some lawmakers advocate for defunding the museum unless it returns to its original mission of promoting knowledge and celebrating American history without ideological bias.

Others urge greater transparency and accountability from Smithsonian leadership, demanding that exhibits and educational programs reflect a balanced and factual portrayal of the nation’s past. Critics also emphasize the importance of preserving the institution’s role as a unifying cultural force rather than a platform for political agendas.

The debate over the Smithsonian’s future reflects broader national conversations about history, identity, and the role of public institutions in society. Ensuring that the Smithsonian honors the legacy of the Founding Fathers while embracing inclusivity and truth remains a critical challenge.

Conclusion

Miranda Devine’s critique of the Smithsonian Institution highlights a troubling trend: the infiltration of communist ideologies into one of America’s most respected cultural landmarks. This shift not only distorts historical facts but also undermines the values and vision of the Founding Fathers. For the Smithsonian to regain its stature as a true custodian of American heritage, it must reject divisive woke narratives and recommit to educating the public with honesty and respect for the nation’s founding principles.

If you value preserving America’s history and want to see the Smithsonian return to its original mission, it’s time to raise your voice. Support efforts to hold the institution accountable and ensure it reflects the true spirit of America for generations to come.