President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday requiring federal officials to install temporary signs outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., warning visitors of potential inaccuracies in its exhibits.
The directive, issued late last week, instructs agencies to place disclaimers on public walkways near the museum, urging the institution to "renovate" displays to reflect what the administration calls "accurate information regarding America’s history." The move follows months of criticism from Republican lawmakers over the museum’s portrayal of U.S. history.
White House Report Sparks Dispute Over Historical Narratives
The order cites a 162-page White House report released in March, which accuses the Smithsonian of downplaying the "constructive role of Christian belief" in American history. The report claims that "white, male, and Christian Americans are regularly denigrated as the alleged embodiment of oppressive power structures."
Anthea Hartig, the museum’s director, pushed back during a congressional hearing Tuesday, stating the report "does not fairly or accurately characterize the full body of work at the museum." She highlighted key artifacts, including Thomas Jefferson’s desk used to draft the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat from the night of his assassination, and the Greensboro lunch counter, as examples of the institution’s commitment to preserving diverse historical perspectives.
Lawmakers Clash Over Museum’s Direction
The executive order comes days after Republican Rep. Tim Burchett accused the Smithsonian of promoting a "woke ideology" that emphasizes American oppression. "I feel the museum has become infected by this," Burchett said during the hearing.
Democrat Rep. Melanie Stansbury countered, calling the Trump administration’s actions an "unprecedented effort to interfere in how American history is told, researched, interpreted, presented, and taught." She argued the push extends beyond the Smithsonian to schools and universities nationwide.
What Happens Next
The Smithsonian has not yet responded publicly to the executive order. Federal officials are expected to begin installing the signs in the coming weeks, though legal challenges could delay implementation. Observers will watch whether the dispute escalates into broader conflicts over federal oversight of cultural institutions.
