NATION
National Museum of American History
Trump orders signs at Smithsonian museum warning of ‘inaccurate’ history
The executive order said temporary signs would “direct visitors to locations and re
Eduardo CuevasUSA TODAY
Updated July 25, 2026, 2:17 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump ordered signs outside the National Museum of American History warning visitors that American historical accounts inside aren’t accurate, in his telling
Visitors walking into the Smithsonian Institution museum in Washington, D.C., could see temporary signage or exhibits alerting them of the contents inside the space, according to the July 24 executive order, which directs the Interior Department to place the warnings
The order comes after the White House released a 162-page report on July 4 that disputed the Smithsonian’s accounting of American history. The report, by the White House Domestic Policy Council, said the National Museum of American History was “an instrument” for a “radical, activist cohort” that sought to reframe “the American story to serve its ideological ends.”
Trump’s latest order said signage should notify visitors that the museum’s exhibits “should be renovated consistent with findings” in the White House report. His order said the new signs would “direct visitors to locations and re
Neither the White House nor the Smithsonian immediately responded to emailed requests for comment
The order also said the museum failed to “appropriately honor” the signers of the Declaration of Independence for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Trump ordered federal officials to install temporary exhibits or signage along National Park Service-maintained sidewalks, walkways and other areas to correct “inaccurate information presented in the Museum.”
Days earlier, Republican lawmakers strongly criticized Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum, in congressional hearings. At a July 21 hearing, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tennessee, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said the museum had “become infected by a woke ideology” and pointed to the White House report’s findings
“The report makes clear that museum’s woke exhibits and materials reflect a broader vision held by the museum’s leadership, particularly its director, Dr. Anthea Hartig,” Burchett said
Hartig, who has led the museum since 2019, said the White House report didn’t “fairly or accurately” characterize the museum’s work. In reframing traditional narratives, she said the museum is adding evidence and voices so more Americans can see themselves reflected in the national story, which she added includes the Declaration, revolution, Constitution and national symbols
“We tell the truth about the times that the country fell short of its own founding ideals,” she told lawmakers. “Telling our story fully is a form of respect for the American people, and a commitment to constantly being in pursuit of a more perfect union.”
On July 25, it was unclear whether warning signs had been placed outside the museum in compliance with Trump’s order. The park service and Interior Department didn’t immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. The museum, open daily except on Christmas Day, is free to the public
Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01
