Dr Jody Edward Ginn, a historian and museum professional, has criticised the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History for prioritising activism over education, following his first visit to the institution in more than a decade. His comments come amid broader scrutiny from the Trump administration and conservative critics over how the Smithsonian presents American history, adding to an ongoing political row about the institution's direction and content.

Ginn, who last visited the museum in 2012, told Fox News Digital it was "a completely different place" and that its mission had clearly shifted towards activism rather than scholarship. He argued the museum still uses history but does so in service of a broader advocacy agenda, a shift he said was at odds with the approach of genuine historical scholars. The article does not detail specific exhibits or changes he pointed to, but situates his remarks within wider conservative criticism of the Smithsonian's recent curatorial choices.