President Donald Trump directed his administration on Friday to place signs outside the Smithsonian Institution’s U.S. history museum. These signs will inform visitors that some of the exhibits are inaccurate. This decision is part of Trump’s broader initiative to reshape the narrative of United States history.
The move comes after the White House Domestic Policy Council released a report on July 4. The report criticized the Smithsonian and its National Museum of American History for not presenting history in an inspiring and unifying manner that reflects the republic’s greatness.
Trump cannot directly remove Smithsonian leadership nor alter exhibits swiftly. Instead, his executive order targets the sidewalks maintained by the National Park Service. The order includes the installation of signs regarding the White House report. It directs visitors to resources for what he considers to be accurate historical information. Furthermore, it proposes a temporary exhibition to correct allegedly inaccurate content in the museum.
Smithsonian officials have not commented on the order. Anthea M. Hartig, the director of the American History Museum, addressed the White House report during congressional hearings. She contended that the report misrepresents the museum’s work. Hartig emphasized the importance of fact-checking and stated, “There is always room for improvement. But I also know the beauty and the inspiration and the expertise that lies in our collections, our exhibits, and our programming.”
The Smithsonian functions independently from the executive branch. Its directors report to Secretary Lonnie Bunch, under the oversight of a Board of Regents. Trump’s actions mark his continuing efforts to align cultural institutions with conservative viewpoints.
These efforts extend beyond the Smithsonian. Trump positioned himself as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He aimed to modify programming, and his appointed board initially voted to add his name to the building. A federal judge later ordered the removal of the signs.
Trump’s administration has also altered historical sites, including in Philadelphia. A recent court ruling allowed the reinstallation of interpretive panels at President George Washington’s home. Critics argue these panels overlook aspects of slavery’s history. Concerns have been raised that Trump’s directives may offer a more triumphant recount of U.S. history, minimizing its painful aspects.
In March, Trump announced plans to enforce changes at the Smithsonian Institution through an executive order. This order targeted funds for programs advancing narratives deemed divisive or ideologically improper.