President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order to implement temporary exhibits and warning signs at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This action aims to refute what his administration views as “inaccurate information” within the museum.
The order mandates that the Interior Department and National Park Service install signage along museum pathways. These signs will inform visitors about a recent White House report criticizing the Smithsonian’s depiction of American history. The administration seeks to direct visitors to “accurate information” regarding the nation’s history.
The Trump administration continues its broader effort to redefine how American history is presented at federal museums and cultural institutions.
Details of the White House Report
The executive order stems from a comprehensive 162-page report by the White House Domestic Policy Council, titled Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage. Released on July 4, the report argues that the museum has shifted from presenting American history as “a shared national inheritance” to advancing social justice causes. The administration contends that the Smithsonian now emphasizes themes such as slavery, racism, and inequality at the expense of celebrating the nation’s founding achievements and democratic values.
The report suggests adding warning signs that highlight that exhibit creators “don’t want you to love your country.” It also recommends increased recognition of the 56 Declaration of Independence signatories during the nation’s 250th anniversary and revising exhibits deemed ideologically biased.
The White House highlighted the report’s findings in social media posts, criticizing certain museum displays and educational materials as “degeneracy” and political activism.
A spokesperson from the Smithsonian has stated, “For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so.”
Exhibits Subject to Criticism
The report identifies specific displays within the National Museum of American History. One exhibit facing criticism is “Girlhood (It’s Complicated),” which includes topics on gender identity and transgender experiences. The report argues this reflects political activism rather than historical scholarship. Congressional Republicans raised similar concerns during recent hearings.
The administration also points to inadequate focus on the Declaration of Independence and its signatories, especially with regard to upcoming semi-quincentennial events. The order encourages temporary outdoor exhibits to address these perceived omissions.
According to The New York Times, the museum director, Anthea Hartig, has disputed the White House’s viewpoint. She assured lawmakers that the museum adheres to rigorous historical scholarship while showcasing America’s achievements alongside its shortcomings.
The Order’s Timeline
- March 27, 2025: Trump signed Executive Order 14253, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” directing Vice President JD Vance to work on removing “divisive” ideologies from Smithsonian museums and associating future federal funding with these objectives.
- August 12, 2025: The White House initiated a comprehensive review of Smithsonian exhibitions and educational materials to ensure alignment with the administration’s vision for America’s 250th anniversary.
- July 4, 2026: The Domestic Policy Council published Saving America’s Story, accusing Smithsonian leaders of ideological bias and recommending substantial changes to museum exhibits and communication strategies.
- July 24, 2026: Trump signed the latest executive order to establish warning signs and temporary exhibits outside the National Museum of American History.