President Donald Trump has directed his administration to place signs outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History stating that some exhibits contain inaccuracies. The order represents another step in the administration’s effort to influence how federal institutions present the nation’s past.
The directive follows a July 4 report from the White House Domestic Policy Council, which argued that Smithsonian leaders have failed to present American history in an inspiring and unifying manner. Because the Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch, Trump cannot directly dismiss its leaders or rapidly revise museum displays. Instead, the order focuses on sidewalks managed by the National Park Service.
Under the plan, signs would alert visitors to the White House report and direct them toward materials the administration considers historically accurate. The order also requests a temporary exhibit addressing information Trump regards as incorrect.
Museum director Anthea Hartig disputed the report during congressional testimony. She said it did not fairly represent the museum’s overall work, while acknowledging that improvements are always possible. Smithsonian officials did not immediately provide a separate response.
The Smithsonian’s directors report to Secretary Lonnie Bunch and are overseen by a Board of Regents, limiting presidential control over museum operations.
The dispute is part of a broader administration campaign involving cultural and historical institutions. Trump has sought programming and leadership changes at the Kennedy Center, where a federal judge later ordered the removal of signs adding his name to the building. His administration also secured a court ruling allowing revised interpretive panels at a Philadelphia site associated with George Washington. Critics say those changes minimize slavery, while the administration favors a more affirmative national narrative.
Trump’s March executive order targeted Smithsonian programs he said promoted divisive narratives and improper ideology. The directive extends policy amid debate over authority and institutional independence.