President Donald Trump has ordered his administration to place signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History that direct visitors to what the White House describes as "accurate" information about the nation's past. The executive order, signed Friday, instructs the National Park Service to install signage on federal sidewalks outside the museum.
These signs will inform visitors about a White House report released July 4, which alleged that the Smithsonian's exhibits disparage the nation's history. The order also calls for the creation of a temporary exhibit intended to correct historical information that the administration deems inaccurate.
The move follows a report from Trump's Domestic Policy Council that criticized the Smithsonian and the National Museum of American History for failing to present history in a manner that is "inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic." The White House has accused the institution of pushing "one-sided, divisive political narratives."
Because the Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch, Trump cannot directly alter museum exhibits or remove leadership. The executive order therefore targets federal property under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, which manages the grounds surrounding the museum.
National Museum of American History Director Anthea M. Hartig defended the museum's work during a congressional hearing this week. "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 told lawmakers. "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 directive builds upon a broader effort by the Trump administration to influence the Smithsonian's content. In March, Trump signed an executive order directing the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to remove "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from its museums. The White House previously criticized the "Entertainment Nation" exhibit at the National Museum of American History, arguing that its displays on American pop culture framed history through an ideological lens rather than celebrating national achievements.
White House official Lindsey Halligan stated that "American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country or promote one-sided, divisive political narratives." At the time of the March criticism, the Smithsonian stated it was conducting a review of museum content and remained committed to "continuous and rigorous scholarship and research and unbiased presentation of facts and history."
The Smithsonian is overseen 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.