Trump Demands Signs Outside Smithsonian to Push 'Accurate' History

President Trump ordered his administration to install signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, pushing for what the White House calls "accurate" information about the nation's past.

The executive order directs the National Park Service to place signs that inform visitors about a White House report released on July 4, which criticized the Smithsonian's portrayal of American history.

Trump also mandated the creation of a temporary exhibit aimed at correcting what his administration deems inaccurate historical information.

This directive follows a report from Trump's Domestic Policy Council, which accused the Smithsonian and the National Museum of American History of failing to present history "in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic."

Due to the Smithsonian's independent operation from the executive branch, Trump lacks the authority to directly remove museum leadership or unilaterally alter exhibits.

Instead, his order targets federal property outside the museum under National Park Service jurisdiction.

National Museum of American History Director Anthea M. Hartig defended the institution during congressional testimony, asserting that the report does not accurately reflect the museum's work.

"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 stated to 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."

Friday's order is part of Trump's broader initiative to reshape Smithsonian exhibits.

In March, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to eliminate what his administration labeled "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from its museums.

The White House later criticized the National Museum of American History's "Entertainment Nation" exhibit, claiming it framed American history through an ideological lens rather than celebrating achievements.

White House official Lindsey Halligan previously stated that "American taxpayers should not be funding institutions that undermine our country or promote one-sided, divisive political narratives."

At that time, the Smithsonian announced it was reviewing 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 that includes Vice President JD Vance, Chief Justice John Roberts, members of Congress, and citizen regents.

The institution receives approximately two-thirds of its nearly $1 billion annual budget through federal appropriations.