Sen. Murkowski Challenges Trump’s Order on Smithsonian History Teaching

Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska is taking a different stance from her Republican peers regarding the GOP’s challenge to the Smithsonian Institution’s teaching method on American history. Alongside Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, she sent a letter to the Trump administration seeking clarity on President Donald Trump’s directive. This directive involves placing ‘temporary signage’ outside the National Museum of American History. The President claims the museum presents historical narratives that are incorrect and overly partisan.

“As Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, we express our concerns and request more information regarding the Department of the Interior’s involvement in implementing Executive Order 14416, ‘Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution,'” the letter stated.

Senator Murkowski is questioning the executive order that calls for temporary signage outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This has brought renewed Republican criticism towards the Smithsonian, which receives approximately $1 billion annually from Congress. Some members of the GOP argue that the exhibits have a political bias.

In her bipartisan letter, Murkowski challenges this perspective. She wrote to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, “For the past 180 years, the Smithsonian Institution has focused on presenting objective historical evidence through research and education.” She emphasized their commitment to conveying an accurate account of American history, highlighting the institution’s dedication to offering a comprehensive narrative of the nation’s history.

President Trump recently signed an executive order directing use of existing resources “to restore trust in the Smithsonian Institution.” This includes the addition of temporary exhibits or signs on public lands to address what he considers misinformation within the museum.

Murkowski and Merkley are seeking more details from the administration. They want to know if there are precedents for using federal land and funds to communicate conflicting information to a nearby institution. They are also inquiring about the party responsible for compiling the information, as well as the timeline and cost of the signage.

Republicans have pointed to exhibitions like one referencing Disney’s “Steamboat Willie” as perpetuating “vestiges of blackface minstrelsy” as examples. There is also criticism labeling the museum’s curation as “anti-white” and “woke.” This has led several House Appropriations Committee members to propose new conditions on the Smithsonian’s federal funding, aiming to compel the museum to modify controversial exhibits or face reduced financial support.

Alex Miller writes for Fox News Digital and covers the U.S. Senate.