Senators Question Trump Administration over Smithsonian Museum Exhibit Changes

Senators Challenge Warning Signs Proposal

Two U.S. senators have challenged the Trump administration’s proposal to install warning signs outside the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum seeking detailed explanations regarding this initiative. Originating from President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, the proposal aims to address alleged inaccuracies in the museum’s exhibits.

Murkowski and Merkley have expressed concerns over using the National Park Service (NPS) for this directive. They questioned how taxpayer money would be used and emphasized the Smithsonian’s long-standing commitment to offering objective historical evidence without political bias.

“For the past 180 years, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to sharing objective historical evidence through research and education, not political narratives,” the senators wrote.

The Debate Over Historical Narratives

The dispute arises from broader discussions about how federally funded institutions present American history. Trump’s executive order, titled Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution, follows a White House review that argues the museum’s exhibits focus heavily on social justice themes, overshadowing national accomplishments.

According to the administration, Smithsonian leadership has used the museum to promote ideological views. The directive suggests placing temporary signs on paths near the museum, pointing visitors to other informational sources.

The senators disagreed with this stance, asserting that the Smithsonian has accurately chronicled U.S. history for nearly two centuries.

“There is nothing more American than telling our story truthfully,” the senators wrote.

White House Report Criticizes Museum

A contentious 162-page report titled Saving America’s Story supports Trump’s executive order. The report claims the museum’s exhibits distort America’s narrative, focusing excessively on themes like slavery and racism instead of celebrating national achievements.

Among its suggestions, the report recommends signs indicating museum exhibits were created by individuals who don’t want visitors to appreciate their country. It also suggests revisiting exhibits deemed ideologically biased, particularly those concerning the Declaration of Independence.

Trump administration officials have extrapolated findings from the report, pointing to exhibits as examples of political activism.

A Smithsonian spokesperson previously stated, “For more than 180 years, the Smithsonian has served the American public with nonpartisan and independent scholarship, and we remain committed to doing so.”

Specific Exhibits Targeted

The report criticizes certain displays, such as the Girlhood (It’s Complicated) exhibition. It argues the exhibit’s discourse on gender identity reflects activism more than historical analysis. Republicans raised similar concerns during congressional hearings.

The administration also claims the museum inadequately acknowledges the Declaration of Independence during celebratory events. The executive order advises addressing these perceived shortcomings.

Museum Director Anthea Hartig has contested the White House’s claims, asserting that the museum adheres to rigorous historical scholarship while representing both America’s successes and challenges.

Logistics and Oversight Unanswered

Executive Order 14416 mandates actions by Burgum, NPS Director Jessica Bowron, and the domestic policy office. However, the senators noted a lack of clarity and requested information on several key logistical elements:

• Number, size, and exact locations for proposed signs.
• Content and costs of manufacturing and installation.
• Funding sources within the Department of the Interior.
• Federal employees assigned to carry out the directive.
• Precedent for using NPS properties against other federal entities’ scholarly work.
• Criteria for determining “accurate” information and solicitation of public input.
• Expected duration of sign displays.

Murkowski’s Independence

Senator Murkowski, a Republican known for her independence, has previously opposed Trump, voting for his conviction in the impeachment trial following the Capitol riot. Despite Republicans’ general support for Trump’s policies, Murkowski often diverges from party lines.

Recently, Murkowski announced her opposition to Todd Blanche, Trump’s attorney general nominee, citing concerns over the politicization and “weaponization” of the Justice Department. Her concerns include the handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and immunity protections extended to Trump and his associates.