Trump orders warning signs placed outside Smithsonian's National Museum of American History over alleged exhibit bias

The executive order, signed at the end of a week of congressional hearings on the museum, directs the National Park Service to place signs along walkways leading to the museum informing visitors of White House criticisms, stating that exhibits "should be renovated," and directing them to "locations and resources for accurate information regarding America's history." The Washington Examiner reported that one planned sign above each entrance would read: "Warning: the exhibits in this museum were prepared by people who don't want you to love your country."

The order cited the White House Domestic Policy Council's July 4 report, which stated that "ideological capture has moved the Museum's mission away from straightforward historical education and scholarship toward an extreme political activism that seeks to transform our country." A companion White House statement, as reported by The Washington Post, accused the Smithsonian of promoting ideas "rooted in Marxism" and said the order was meant to counter what the administration described as "a concerted effort to rewrite American history." Trump also directed the creation of a temporary exhibit intended to correct what his administration considers inaccurate historical information, and accused the museum of failing to appropriately honor the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during the country's 250th anniversary year.

National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig defended the institution during congressional testimony this week, saying the White House report "does not fairly or accurately characterize the full body of work at the museum." Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch similarly told NBC News that the institution's work is "driven by scholarship, accuracy and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America's story." The Smithsonian did not respond to requests for comment on the executive order itself.