Executive Order Targets Smithsonian's Historical Portrayal
President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the National Park Service to install signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, directing visitors to a White House report released July 4. The report criticized the museum's portrayal of American history. The order also directs the creation of a temporary exhibit to correct what the administration considers inaccurate historical information.
"The order follows a report from the Domestic Policy Council that accused the Smithsonian of failing to present history in a way that is 'inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic.'"
Background
Because the Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch, Trump cannot directly remove museum leadership or unilaterally change exhibits. The order instead targets federal property outside the museum under National Park Service jurisdiction.
Statements
National Museum of American History Director Anthea M. Hartig defended the museum during congressional testimony, stating: "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."
Previous Actions
In March, Trump signed an executive order directing the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to eliminate what the administration described as "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from the institution's museums.
The White House later criticized the "Entertainment Nation" exhibit, arguing displays about American pop culture framed history through an ideological lens. 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."
The Smithsonian said it was conducting a review of museum content and remained committed to "continuous and rigorous scholarship and research and unbiased presentation of facts and history."
Oversight
The Smithsonian is overseen by a Board of Regents including Vice President JD Vance, Chief Justice John Roberts, members of Congress, and citizen regents. The institution receives roughly two-thirds of its approximately $1 billion annual budget through federal appropriations.