Trump orders interior department to place critical signs outside Smithsonian history museum

President Donald Trump instructed the Interior Department on Friday to create and place temporary signs along the walkways leading to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The signs are to inform visitors that the museum’s exhibits should be renovated in line with findings from a recent White House report and to direct the public to alternative sources for American history information. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the National Park Service and domestic policy adviser Vince Haley are tasked with drafting the signage.

The order also calls for signs that criticize the museum for insufficient commemoration of the Declaration of Independence during its 250th anniversary. The White House did not provide further details about the sign content.

The American Historical Association earlier defended the Smithsonian’s scholarly standards, warning that political interference could undermine historical accuracy. The museum declined comment, while its director Anthea Hartig, who testified before Congress, said the institution honors foundational documents and presents a full account of the nation’s history.

A White House domestic policy council report titled “Saving America’s Story” accused the museum’s leadership of “ideological capture.”