Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig appeared stumped by a basic question on sex and gender from Rep.Nancy Mace, R-S.C.During a House hearing on alleged "extreme political activism" on display at the Smithsonian, Mace asked Hartig, "Do you believe that men can become women?"Hartig hesitated before answering, "Ma'am, as the director of the museum, that's not relevant in this case.""It's very relevant," Mace shot back.
Motioning to images of Smithsonian displays featuring drag queens, Mace continued, "You've got men dressed up as women, and you have them on displays in front of kids.Do you think men can become women? Yes or no?"DISCRIMINATORY 'SHADOW' REVIEW PROCESS LOCKS WHITE, ASIAN STUDENTS OUT OF CALIFORNIA MED SCHOOL, DOJ ALLEGESRep.
Nancy Mace (left), R-S.C., grilled National Museum of American History Director Dr.Anthea Hartig (right) during an Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency hearing on Capitol Hill on July 21, 2026 in Washington, DC.
The hearing titled, "Rewriting American History: Examining the Smithsonian's Efforts to Reshape the Past," is being held as the White House began an investigation into the Smithsonian last year and has recently put out a report alleging political activism.(Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)Hartig did not answer the question but instead began to discuss one of the drag queen displays pictured on the board behind Mace.
The congresswoman interrupted her."What is a woman, Dr.Hartig?" Mace demanded.Hartig began to answer that "as a director and as a historian, it's not my-" before Mace cut her off again, saying, "You sexualized the American History Museum.
So, this is a fair question.What is a woman?"Looking down for a moment, Hartig responded, "We strive to represent and not categorize all Americans.""Okay, I have another question for you," Mace continued.
"There's a glossary at the museum that informs ...