Two U.S. senators have questioned the Trump administration regarding a proposal to install warning signs outside the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, and Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, expressed their concerns in a letter directed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
The directive follows an executive order from President Donald Trump focusing on the museum’s exhibits. The senators, who hold leadership positions in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, want to know if the National Park Service (NPS) has been used similarly before. They also seek details on how taxpayer money will fund this initiative.
Murkowski and Merkley stated, “For the past 180 years, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to sharing objective historical evidence through research and education, not political narratives.”
The situation highlights a larger debate about the presentation of American history at federally funded institutions.
Dispute Over Historical Presentation
Trump’s executive order, Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution, is based on a White House review that suggests museum displays lean too much toward social justice themes and do not adequately emphasize national achievements. The administration accuses museum leadership of pushing ideological agendas.
The proposed directive plans to place temporary signs on walkways near the museum, suggesting inaccuracies in exhibits and pointing visitors to alternative sources of information. Murkowski and Merkley reject this portrayal, insisting that the Smithsonian is dedicated to truthful storytelling.
The executive order comes from a White House Domestic Policy Council report titled Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage. It accuses the museum of promoting ideological activism over historical scholarship.
What Did the White House Report Say?
The Trump administration claims the museum’s focus on race, gender, immigration, and sexuality distorts American history. They argue the Institution fails to present a shared national narrative, emphasizing negative aspects like slavery and inequality.
The report suggests measures like posting warning signs and recognizing the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during America’s 250th anniversary. It criticizes specific exhibits, like “Girlhood (It’s Complicated),” for perceived political bias.
A Smithsonian spokesperson emphasized the Institution’s long-standing commitment to nonpartisan and independent scholarship serving the American public.
Which Exhibits Were Criticized?
The report targets displays in the National Museum of American History, specifically questioning the “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” exhibit for its treatment of gender identity. The administration claims the museum insufficiently acknowledges the Declaration of Independence.
Museum Director Anthea Hartig opposed the White House’s view, stating the museum relies on rigorous historical scholarship to present America’s history.
Unanswered Logistics and Oversight
Executive Order 14416 tasks Burgum, NPS Director Jessica Bowron, and the White House domestic policy office with implementing the signage. Murkowski and Merkley requested details about the signs’ specifics, cost, and funding sources. They want clarity on federal employees’ involvement and whether public input will be included.
The request also questions how “accurate” information will be determined and the time frame for the signs’ display.
Murkowski’s Previous Positions
Murkowski, known for opposing some Trump administration policies, previously voted to convict Trump post-January 6, 2021. While she often breaks from her party, she recently opposed Trump’s attorney general nominee, citing concerns over the Justice Department’s politicization.
For inquiries on this story, contact Newsweek editors Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.
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