President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to implement temporary exhibits and signs outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. His administration aims to correct what it perceives as ‘inaccurate information’ presented within the museum’s walls.
The order is directed at the Interior Department and National Park Service to post signage along museum pathways. These signs will inform visitors about a recent White House report that criticizes the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history. The report advocates for what the administration considers ‘accurate information’ regarding the nation’s past.
Newsweek contacted the White House early Saturday via email and online form for comment.
This initiative marks the latest in Trump’s broader effort to influence the presentation of American history at federally funded museums and cultural institutions.
White House Report Insights
The executive order stems from a 162-page report by the White House Domestic Policy Council. Released on July 4, the report is titled Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage.
Earlier this month, as reported by Newsweek, the Trump administration accused the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History of promoting ‘ideological activism’ instead of historical scholarship. The administration argues that exhibits on race, gender, immigration, and sexuality have distorted America’s narrative.
The report contends that the museum no longer presents American history as ‘a shared national inheritance.’ It claims the Smithsonian uses history to advance social justice agendas, focusing excessively on slavery, racism, inequality, while neglecting to celebrate the country’s founding, achievements, and democratic principles.
The report suggests adding warning signs to alert visitors that museum exhibits might have been created by individuals who ‘don’t want you to love your country.’ It also recommends heightened recognition of the 56 Declaration of Independence signers during America’s 250th anniversary and revising exhibits deemed ideologically biased.
Earlier this month, the White House highlighted several findings from this report in a social media thread. They pointed to specific museum displays and educational materials, labeling them examples of ‘degeneracy’ and political activism.
A Smithsonian spokesperson informed Newsweek, ‘For over 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to this mission.’
Critiqued Exhibits
The report targeted several displays within the National Museum of American History. It criticized the museum’s exhibition, Girlhood (It’s Complicated), arguing that it discusses gender identity and transgender experiences as political activism rather than historical interpretation. Recent congressional hearings also saw Republicans question the exhibit.
The administration also expressed dissatisfaction with the museum for providing insufficient recognition of the Declaration of Independence and its signers during semi-quincentennial celebrations. The executive order mandates that temporary outdoor exhibits should address such omissions.
According to The New York Times, Museum Director Anthea Hartig has refuted the White House’s portrayal. She assured lawmakers that the museum rigorously follows historical scholarship, presenting both America’s accomplishments and shortcomings.
Timeline of Trump’s Smithsonian Actions
- March 27, 2025: Trump enacted Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. It tasked Vice President JD Vance, a Smithsonian regent, to work towards eradicating perceived ‘divisive’ ideology from Smithsonian museums, linking federal funding to these objectives.
- August 12, 2025: The White House mandated an extensive review of Smithsonian exhibitions, educational materials, and public messaging to ensure alignment with the administration’s vision for the country’s 250th anniversary.
- July 4, 2026: The Domestic Policy Council published Saving America’s Story, accusing Smithsonian leadership of ideological bias and recommending significant changes to museum exhibits and messaging.
- July 24, 2026: Trump signed the latest executive order, requiring warning signs and temporary exhibits outside the National Museum of American History to counter alleged inaccurate historical information inside the museum.
Contact Newsweek editor on this story: Edward Pearcey.
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