President Donald Trump has directed the White House to install signs outside the Smithsonian Institution's U.S. history museum that will inform visitors that some exhibits are inaccurate. This action is the latest in the president's efforts to influence the presentation of American history.
The directive stems from a July 4 report by the White House Domestic Policy Council, which stated that leaders of the Smithsonian and its National Museum of American History do not present history in a manner that is "inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic."
While Trump lacks the authority to directly dismiss Smithsonian leadership or mandate changes to exhibits, the executive order targets the sidewalks adjacent to the museum, which are maintained by the National Park Service. The order calls for signs referencing the White House report and directing visitors to resources for what the administration terms "accurate information regarding America’s history." Additionally, it mandates a temporary exhibit intended to correct information deemed inaccurate by the president.
Officials from the Smithsonian did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Anthea M. Hartig, director of the American history museum, previously addressed the White House report during congressional hearings. She stated, "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." She added, "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 operates independently of the executive branch, with museum directors reporting to Secretary Lonnie Bunch, who is overseen by a Board of Regents.
This move is part of a broader pattern of Trump's efforts to reshape cultural institutions he believes diverge from conservative viewpoints. Previously, Trump was appointed chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with the stated goal of overhauling its programming. A subsequent vote by his appointed board to add his name to the building was later reversed by a federal judge who ordered the removal of the signs.
Beyond Washington, the administration has also influenced historical sites in Philadelphia. A recent court ruling allowed the administration to reinstall interpretive panels at President George Washington's home, which critics argue downplay the history of slavery. Advocates and academics have expressed concern that the revised panels may present a more triumphalist historical narrative, potentially obscuring difficult aspects of the nation's past.
In March, Trump first signaled his intention to press for changes at the Smithsonian through an executive order targeting funding for programs perceived to promote "divisive narratives" and "improper ideology."