The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has prominently featured former US COVID-19 adviser Anthony Fauci in an exhibit, presenting him as a major figure in the pandemic response. The display has drawn criticism from conservative commentators and politicians, who argue that it overlooks disputes over Fauci’s pandemic-era advice and broader concerns about the museum’s public messaging.

The article links the exhibit to renewed scrutiny of Fauci, including a Senate hearing in which lawmakers questioned him about COVID-19 policies, research funding and changes in guidance on masks and lockdowns. It also notes that Smithsonian leaders have faced separate criticism over diversity, equity and inclusion policies, although the excerpt does not provide details of the exhibit’s full content or curatorial rationale.