Trump Orders Warning Signs at Smithsonian Saying Exhibits Are Inaccurate

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday directing the installation of signs in front of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History telling visitors that some exhibits are inaccurate — his latest move in an escalating campaign to reshape how American history is presented at the country's most prominent cultural institutions.

What the Order Does

Because Trump lacks the direct authority to fire Smithsonian leadership or alter exhibits — the institution operates outside the executive branch — his order targets the sidewalks in front of the museum, which are maintained by the National Park Service. The executive order calls for signs directing visitors to resources for what Trump calls “accurate information regarding America's history” and references a July 4 report from his Domestic Policy Council that criticized Smithsonian leadership for not telling history “in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic.” The order also calls for a temporary corrective exhibit.

Smithsonian Pushes Back

Anthea M. Hartig, director of the American history museum, pushed back against the White House report during congressional testimony this week: “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.”

The Smithsonian reports to Secretary Lonnie Bunch and is overseen by a Board of Regents, not the executive branch. Smithsonian officials did not immediately respond to Trump's executive order.

Part of Broader Cultural Campaign

The Smithsonian move is part of Trump's wider effort to reshape American cultural institutions. He previously installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; a court later ordered signs bearing his name removed. His administration also won a court ruling allowing it to reinstall interpretive panels at the Philadelphia site of George Washington's home that critics say downplay the history of slavery.