President Donald Trump has ordered the installation of signs outside the National Museum of American History, directing visitors to what the White House describes as "accurate" information about the nation's past. The executive order also calls for the creation of a temporary exhibit designed to correct historical information that the administration deems inaccurate.
The directive instructs the National Park Service, which manages the sidewalks adjacent to the museum, to place the signs. This action stems from a White House report released July 4 that criticized the Smithsonian's depiction of American history, accusing it of failing to present the past in a way that is "inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic."
Because the Smithsonian operates as an independent entity, Trump cannot directly alter museum leadership or its exhibits. The executive order thus focuses on federal property under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
National Museum of American History Director Anthea M. Hartig defended the museum's work during recent congressional testimony. "As we continue to fact check the report, we unwaveringly attest that it does not fairly or accurately characterize the full body of work at the museum," Hartig 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."
This latest order expands on previous efforts by the Trump administration to influence the Smithsonian's exhibits. In March, Trump signed an executive order directing the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to remove what the administration characterized as "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from its museums.
Previously, the White House had criticized the National Museum of American History's "Entertainment Nation" exhibit, suggesting that its displays on American pop culture framed national history through an ideological lens rather than celebrating achievements. A White House official, Lindsey Halligan, told Fox News Digital that "American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country or promote one-sided, divisive political narratives."
At that time, the Smithsonian indicated it was conducting a review of its museum content and remained committed to "continuous and rigorous scholarship and research and unbiased presentation of facts and history."
The Smithsonian is governed by a Board of Regents, which includes Vice President JD Vance, Chief Justice John Roberts, members of Congress, and citizen regents. The institution receives approximately two-thirds of its annual budget, around $1 billion, through federal appropriations.