Smithsonian leadership reshaped by DEI-focused hires, sparking partisan backlash

Fox News Digital’s review of public bios found roughly two dozen Smithsonian leaders and curators who previously worked for Democratic offices or liberal nonprofits and who have DEI roles, fueling Republican claims of a left-leaning bias in exhibits and hiring. Smithsonian officials say staffing decisions are nonpartisan and based on qualifications. The piece highlights figures such as Roshni Lal and several curators focused on race and social justice, notes past connections to Clinton/Obama administrations, and mentions congressional scrutiny and a small share of employee political donations going to Republican committees, all against a backdrop of about 6,400 staff.