Trump’s Executive Order on Smithsonian Museum Exhibits

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at installing temporary exhibits and warning signs outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This initiative is intended to address what his administration identifies as “inaccurate information” within the museum.

Executive Order Details

The order mandates that the Interior Department and the National Park Service place signage along museum walkways. These signs will inform visitors of a recent White House report that criticizes the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history. The administration recommends guiding visitors to what it calls “accurate information” about the nation’s past.

This action is part of Trump’s broader strategy to influence how American history is presented at federally supported museums and cultural institutions.

The White House Report

The executive order draws from a 162-page report by the White House Domestic Policy Council, released on July 4. Titled Saving America’s Story: How Ideological Capture at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Erases Our Heritage, the report argues against the museum’s focus on “ideological activism” over historical facts.

The report claims the museum emphasizes issues like race, gender, immigration, and sexuality, neglecting to celebrate America’s founding and democratic traditions. Recommendations include placing warning signs about the exhibit creators’ intentions, emphasizing the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during its 250th anniversary, and revising exhibits the administration deems biased.

The White House shared findings from the report on social media, highlighting museum displays and educational materials regarded as “degeneracy” and political activism by the administration. The Smithsonian has reiterated its commitment to nonpartisan and independent scholarship.

Criticized Exhibits

The report criticizes specific displays inside the museum. One highlighted exhibition is “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)”, which discusses gender identity and transgender experiences. The administration argues this reflects political activism, not historical interpretation. This exhibit also faced scrutiny during congressional hearings.

The administration points out the museum’s failure to sufficiently recognize the Declaration of Independence and its signers during the nation’s semi-quincentennial celebrations. The new order suggests addressing these issues with temporary outdoor exhibits.

Museum Director Anthea Hartig defended the museum’s approach, stating that it relies on rigorous historical scholarship to present both achievements and shortcomings of America.

Timeline of Actions

• March 27, 2025: Trump signed Executive Order 14253, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” directing Vice President JD Vance to remove “divisive” ideology from Smithsonian museums and link federal funding to these goals.
• August 12, 2025: The White House ordered a comprehensive review of Smithsonian exhibitions to align with the administration’s vision for the country’s 250th anniversary.
• July 4, 2026: The Domestic Policy Council released Saving America’s Story, accusing Smithsonian leadership of bias and suggesting major exhibit changes.
• July 24, 2026: Trump signed the latest order for warning signs and temporary exhibits outside the National Museum of American History to counter alleged inaccuracies inside.