President Donald Trump has directed his administration to place signs outside the Smithsonian Institution’s U.S. history museum. These signs aim to inform visitors that some exhibits may not be accurate. This action is part of Trump’s efforts to redefine how American history is presented.
This directive comes after a report from Trump’s Domestic Policy Council released on July 4. The report suggested that the Smithsonian and its National Museum of American History do not present history in a manner that is inspiring, unifying, or reflective of the republic. While Trump does not have the immediate power to remove Smithsonian leaders or alter exhibits directly, his executive order affects the sidewalks maintained by the National Park Service.
The order includes signage that highlights the White House’s report and guides visitors to what Trump calls ‘accurate information regarding America’s history.’ There is also a call for a temporary exhibit to address perceived inaccuracies.
Smithsonian representatives have not commented on Trump’s order directly. However, Anthea M. Hartig, the director of the American history museum, addressed the issue during congressional hearings. She argued that the White House report does not fairly depict the museum’s full range of work. Hartig acknowledged the potential for improvement but praised the museum’s existing collections and programs.
The Smithsonian operates independently from the executive branch. Its directors report to Secretary Lonnie Bunch, overseen by a Board of Regents. Trump’s initiative is a continuation of his attempts to influence societal institutions that he believes misalign with conservative views.
Previously, Trump appointed himself as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, aiming to amend its programming. Though his chosen board members agreed to add his name to the building, a federal judge ordered the removal of the signs. He has also made changes to historical sites, such as Philadelphia, where a court ruling allowed the reinstallation of interpretive panels criticized for downplaying slavery’s history.
Concern has been rising among advocates and academics. They worry that compliance with Trump’s order might lead to a history narrative that overlooks the nation’s painful past in favor of a more positive view. Trump had previously revealed his plans to revise Smithsonian’s narrative with an executive order restricting funding for programs seen as promoting divisive or improper ideologies.
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