Trump Orders Installation of Signs Outside Smithsonian Museum Regarding American History

President Donald Trump ordered the installation of signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to direct visitors to what the White House describes as accurate information about American history. The executive order, issued on July 25, 2026, instructs the National Park Service to place these signs in response to a report from Trump's Domestic Policy Council that criticized the museum's portrayal of history. The report accused the Smithsonian of failing to present history in an inspiring and unifying manner. Trump also directed the creation of a temporary exhibit to address what his administration considers inaccuracies in historical representation. The Smithsonian operates independently, so Trump cannot directly alter museum leadership or exhibits. National Museum of American History Director Anthea M. Hartig defended the museum's work during congressional testimony, stating that the report does not accurately characterize the museum's efforts. This order builds on previous actions by Trump to reshape the Smithsonian's exhibits, including a prior executive order aimed at eliminating what the administration views as divisive or anti-American ideology from the institution's museums.