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Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
Dozens of rarely seen artifacts from the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93 are displayed on tables as the museum faces political scrutiny.
The Smithsonian Museum of American History is honoring the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks this week with displays of dozens of rarely seen objects, including debris from the World Trade Center and a beeper from the South Tower.
President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have scrutinized the institution following an Independence Day White House report branding leadership as 'radical activists,' arguing for a more unifying version of American history.
Museum director Anthea Hartig said some items, like the telephone from Solicitor General Ted Olson's desk, are "so fragile they'll probably never go on display." The goal is to help visitors reconnect as the attacks slip into history.
Hartig faced two days of congressional hearings in July regarding the museum's work; although Trump ordered his administration to install signs labeling exhibits inaccurate, those signs have not been installed.
Lonnie Bunch announced plans to step down as leader of the Smithsonian Institution, with his successor to be chosen by a Board of Regents including the Vice President, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers.