Trump Directs Changes at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

President Donald Trump has initiated new directives affecting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. An executive order signed by Trump calls for temporary exhibits and warning signs outside the museum. These installations aim to address what his administration deems as ‘inaccurate information’ currently presented in the museum.

The executive order instructs the Interior Department and National Park Service to set up signs along the walkways. These signs will inform visitors of a White House report critical of the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history, steering them towards information the administration labels as ‘accurate.’ The move is part of Trump’s broader effort to modify the portrayal of American history in federally supported cultural institutions.

Details of the White House Report

At the heart of the executive order is a 162-page report released by the White House Domestic Policy Council on July 4, titled Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage. The report accuses the museum of prioritizing ‘ideological activism’ over historical accuracy. Exhibits focusing on race, gender, immigration, and sexuality are said to distort American history.

The report argues that history is portrayed as less of a shared national heritage, claiming that there is a focus on social justice issues rather than celebrating the nation’s founding and achievements. It suggests several changes, such as warning signs for visitors about the potential ideological biases in exhibits. It also recommends recognizing the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during the country’s 250th anniversary.

The White House shared parts of the report on social media, highlighting exhibits and educational materials that officials said represent ‘degeneracy’ and political activism. A Smithsonian spokesperson maintains that the organization has served the public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship for over 180 years and intends to uphold this commitment.

Exhibits Under Scrutiny

The report calls out specific exhibits at the National Museum of American History. “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” was criticized for its focus on gender identity and transgender issues, which the report claims reflects political motivations rather than historical context. This exhibit has also faced scrutiny during congressional hearings.

The administration also argued that the museum inadequately emphasizes the Declaration of Independence and its signers. The executive order suggests that temporary outdoor displays should fill this gap. According to The New York Times, Museum Director Anthea Hartig has responded by stating that the museum adheres to rigorous historical scholarship, presenting both the achievements and the failings of the nation.

Timeline of Trump’s Smithsonian Actions

• March 27, 2025: Trump issues Executive Order 14253, titled ‘Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.’ This instructs Vice President JD Vance, who is a Smithsonian regent, to work towards removing ‘divisive’ ideology from museums, with federal funding tied to these efforts.
• August 12, 2025: The White House calls for a comprehensive review of Smithsonian exhibits and educational materials. The review aims to ensure alignment with the administration’s vision for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
• July 4, 2026: The Domestic Policy Council publishes Saving America’s Story, criticizing Smithsonian leadership for perceived ideological bias, and recommending substantial changes to exhibits and public messaging.
• July 24, 2026: Trump signs another executive order to require warning signs and temporary exhibits outside the museum, aiming to counter what the administration views as inaccurate historical information inside.

For further details, contact Newsweek editor Edward Pearcey regarding this story.