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, instructs the National Park Service to place these signs in response to a White House report that criticized the museum's portrayal of history. Trump also directed the creation of a temporary exhibit to address what his administration considers inaccuracies in historical representation.
The report from Trump's Domestic Policy Council accused the Smithsonian of failing to present history in an inspiring and unifying manner. Since the Smithsonian operates independently, Trump cannot directly alter museum leadership or exhibits, so the order focuses on federal property outside the museum.
National Museum of American History Director Anthea M. Hartig defended the museum's work during congressional testimony, stating that the report does not accurately reflect the museum's efforts. She emphasized the quality and inspiration found in the museum's collections and programming.
This order follows a broader initiative by Trump to reshape the Smithsonian's exhibits, including a previous executive order aimed at eliminating what the administration views as divisive or anti-American ideology from the institution's museums. The Smithsonian receives about two-thirds of its annual budget, approximately $1 billion, from federal appropriations.