Trump’s Executive Order Targets Smithsonian Exhibits

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to place temporary exhibits and warning signs outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. These installations aim to address what his administration labels as ‘inaccurate information’ within the museum.

The order instructs the Interior Department and National Park Service to install signs along museum pathways. These signs will inform visitors of a recent White House report that criticizes the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history, guiding them to what the administration considers ‘accurate information.’

This move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to influence how American history is portrayed at federally funded museums and cultural institutions.

What Did The White House Report Say?

The executive order is rooted in a 162-page White House Domestic Policy Council report titled Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage. Released on July 4, the report claims the museum promotes ‘ideological activism’ over historical scholarship. It accuses the Smithsonian of distorting the nation’s story by focusing on race, gender, immigration, and sexuality.

According to the report, the museum fails to present American history as ‘a shared national inheritance.’ Instead, it alleges that the leadership uses history to promote social justice causes. The report criticizes the museum for overemphasizing slavery, racism, and inequality while not celebrating the nation’s founding, achievements, and democratic traditions.

Among its recommendations, the report suggests posting warning signs. These signs would indicate that the museum’s exhibits could influence visitors against appreciating their country. Additionally, it recommends enhancing recognition of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during America’s 250th anniversary and revising exhibits seen as ideologically skewed.

The White House highlighted several findings from the report in a social media thread. It identified museum displays and educational materials as examples of ‘degeneracy’ and political activism.

A Smithsonian spokesperson defended the institution’s approach, stating, ‘For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so.’

Which Exhibits Were Criticized?

The report criticized several exhibits in the National Museum of American History. Specifically, it targeted the ‘Girlhood (It’s Complicated)’ exhibition. The administration argued that its discussion of gender identity and transgender experiences represents political activism rather than historical analysis. Republicans have also raised questions about this exhibit in congressional hearings.

Additionally, the administration pointed to a lack of sufficient recognition of the Declaration of Independence and its signers during the semi-quincentennial celebrations. The executive order mandates that temporary outdoor exhibits address these gaps.

Museum Director Anthea Hartig has disputed the White House’s claims, asserting that the museum adheres to rigorous historical scholarship while presenting both America’s achievements and flaws.

Trump’s Smithsonian Timeline

• March 27, 2025: Trump signed Executive Order 14253, ‘Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.’ It tasked Vice President JD Vance, a Smithsonian regent, with removing ‘divisive’ ideology from Smithsonian museums and tying future federal funding to these goals.
• August 12, 2025: The White House initiated a comprehensive review of Smithsonian exhibitions, educational materials, and public messaging to ensure their alignment with the administration’s vision for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
• July 4, 2026: The release of Saving America’s Story accused Smithsonian leadership of ideological bias, recommending extensive changes to museum exhibits and messaging.
• July 24, 2026: Trump signed the latest order for warning signs and temporary exhibits outside the museum to counter claims of inaccurate historical information inside.

For more information, contact Newsweek editor Edward Pearcey.