Senators Question Signage Proposal at Smithsonian Institution

Two U.S. senators have raised concerns about a Trump administration proposal. The plan involves placing warning signs outside the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Alaska Republican, and Jeff Merkley, Oregon Democrat, sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The letter seeks detailed explanations for the directive, which follows an executive order by President Trump.

Senators’ Concerns and Role

Murkowski chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Merkley is the ranking member. They inquired about the use of the National Park Service (NPS) in this context. They requested a detailed account of taxpayer funding for the initiative. The senators emphasized the Smithsonian’s long-standing commitment to objective historical representation.

“For the past 180 years, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to sharing objective historical evidence through research and education, not political narratives,” they wrote.

Newsweek contacted the White House, Department of the Interior (DOI), and both senators for further comment.

Debate Over Historical Interpretation

The proposal has sparked a wider debate about how American history is presented at federally funded institutions. In July, Trump issued an executive order titled Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution. It followed a review claiming museum displays focus too much on social justice themes. The administration argued exhibits neglect national achievements.

The proposed signs would warn visitors of alleged inaccuracies and suggest alternate information sources. Murkowski and Merkley disagreed, noting the Smithsonian’s near two-century history of documenting the nation’s past truthfully.

Findings of the White House Report

The White House report accused the museum of ideological activism over historical scholarship. It argued exhibits on race, gender, and other societal issues distort national history. The report suggested the museum no longer presents history as a national legacy. It accused Smithsonian leaders of promoting social justice rather than national achievements.

The report recommended warning signs indicating bias in the exhibits. It called for increased recognition of the Declaration of Independence’s signers for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

According to a Smithsonian spokesperson, the institution remains committed to nonpartisan scholarship.

Exhibits Under Scrutiny

Several displays in the museum came under criticism. The “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” exhibition was targeted for its gender identity discussion. The administration also noted a lack of emphasis on the Declaration of Independence and its signers in upcoming celebrations.

Museum Director Anthea Hartig contested these claims, emphasizing the museum’s dedication to rigorous historical scholarship.

Logistical and Oversight Issues

Executive Order 14416 outlines the signage implementation by several officials. These signs would refer to the White House report. Murkowski and Merkley, in their letter, requested clarity on:

• The number, size, and specific locations of signs.
• Content, manufacturing, and installation costs.
• Funding sources within the Department of the Interior.
• Federal employees assigned to the task.
• Precedents for using NPS resources in this manner.
• Criteria for “accurate” information and public input procedures.
• Expected duration of sign placement.

Murkowski’s Independent Stance

Senator Murkowski has previously diverged from her party on Trump-related issues. She voted to convict him during the impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol riot. Recently, she opposed Trump’s attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche, citing concerns over politicization of the Justice Department.