Trump Changes His Mind On US Smithsonian
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday directing that temporary disclaimer signs be placed outside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, saying some exhibits do not accurately reflect his administration’s view of America’s past.
The order, titled “Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution,” follows a months-long review conducted by the White House Domestic Policy Council. According to the administration’s report, museum exhibits place too much emphasis on modern social justice themes instead of presenting American history as a shared national story centered on the country’s founding principles and achievements.
In the executive order, Trump argued that the Smithsonian should focus more on America’s accomplishments, constitutional ideals, and historical progress rather than what he described as politically driven interpretations of history.
The Smithsonian Institution declined to comment on the order.
Trump directed federal officials to use all available legal and administrative options to address the concerns identified in the White House report. Along with encouraging revisions to exhibits, the order calls for temporary warning signs outside the museum informing visitors that some displays may not reflect the administration’s interpretation of American history.
The move represents the latest development in the Trump administration’s ongoing dispute with the Smithsonian Institution. The White House report specifically referenced National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig, citing previous remarks in which she described history as a “prime tool of social justice.”
Earlier this week, Hartig testified before the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, where Republican lawmakers questioned whether political ideology has influenced the museum’s presentation of American history.
Hartig rejected those accusations, telling lawmakers that the museum does not take political sides.
She said the institution’s mission is to preserve and document the full scope of American history so visitors can examine the evidence and reach their own conclusions.
The executive order follows earlier criticism from President Trump regarding both the Smithsonian Institution and National Park Service sites. The president has argued that too many federally supported historical exhibits place greater emphasis on slavery and other difficult chapters of American history while giving less attention to the nation’s achievements, innovation, and long-term progress.
Those concerns also led to a legal dispute earlier this year after the administration sought to remove a slavery-related exhibit from George Washington’s home near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, raising questions about the limits of presidential authority over federally managed historical sites.
Trump has also criticized the Smithsonian on Truth Social, arguing that the institution focuses too heavily on America’s failures instead of highlighting the country’s successes, resilience, and future.
The executive order signals that the administration intends to continue pressing for changes in how American history is presented at one of the nation’s most prominent museums, ensuring visitors are aware that the administration disputes portions of the museum’s interpretation of historical events.
