Trump issues order to place signs at Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
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President Trump signed an executive order directing temporary signs outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, claiming the museum’s exhibits are inaccurate and should be revised according to a White House report.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that requires temporary signs to be posted outside the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History (NMAH). The signs will inform visitors that the museum’s exhibits are inaccurate and will direct them to alternative resources for "accurate information regarding America’s history," according to the order.
The order references a 162-page report released by the White House Domestic Policy Council on July 4. The report argues that the Smithsonian, and the NMAH in particular, cannot be trusted to present American history honestly and cites concerns about political activism, immigration, and gender-related topics.
The administration has previously targeted the Smithsonian, issuing a March 2025 order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” and threatening to withhold federal funding. Congress has also become involved; during a recent House subcommittee hearing, NMAH director Anthea Hartig defended the museum’s approach, saying, "Examining the harder chapters of our history is not the same as hostility toward America. Telling our history fully is not anti-American."
Investigations have highlighted the influence of David and Tim Barton, founders of the Christian-nationalist group WallBuilders, who have promoted a view of U.S. history that emphasizes Christian foundations. While the White House has not disclosed the Bartons’ exact role, the report’s language mirrors themes from their publications, such as emphasizing Christian moral philosophy in the Declaration of Independence and portraying Christopher Columbus as a heroic figure.
The Bartons have publicly discussed their interactions with White House officials about Smithsonian exhibits on multiple podcast episodes, suggesting they provided input on what the administration considers misleading content.
The next step for the Smithsonian may involve changes to its Board of Regents. Three current board seats are vacant, with three additional openings expected in October. The board nominates candidates, who must then be approved by Congress. Reports indicate that Vice President J.D. Vance, a board member, has delayed nominations, reportedly awaiting candidates aligned with the administration’s perspective.