Trump issues executive order for signage outside Smithsonian museum
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President Donald Trump signed an order directing the National Park Service to place signs near the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History that reference a White House report on the museum's exhibits.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the National Park Service to install signs on the sidewalks outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The signs will point visitors to a White House report released on July 4 that critiques the museum's presentation of American history. The order also calls for a temporary exhibit intended to address what the administration describes as inaccurate historical information.
The White House report, prepared by the Domestic Policy Council, alleges that the museum does not present history in a way that is "inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic." Because the Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch, the order focuses on federal property rather than museum leadership or exhibit content.
Museum Director Anthea M. Hartig testified before Congress, stating, "> 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. 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 directive follows a March executive order that asked the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to remove material the administration deemed "improper, divisive or anti-American." A White House spokesperson previously said American taxpayers should not fund institutions that promote "one-sided, divisive political narratives." The Smithsonian responded that it was reviewing its content and remains committed to rigorous scholarship and unbiased presentation of facts.