President Donald Trump ordered the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to install temporary signs that highlight a recent report from the White House’s Domestic Policy Council. The 162-page report, released earlier this month, claims that the museum has prioritized ideological bias over historical accuracy.
In response to the report, Trump directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the National Park Service to place signs along walkways leading to the museum, as well as above each entrance. The signage will state: 'Warning: the exhibits in this museum were prepared by people who don’t want you to love your country.' The signs are intended to correct what Trump described as 'inaccurate information' presented at the museum and to guide visitors to more accurate historical resources.
This action is part of Trump’s ongoing criticism of the Smithsonian Institution, which receives approximately two-thirds of its $1 billion annual budget from federal funding. In March, Trump had previously instructed Vice President JD Vance and the Domestic Policy Council to remove what he termed 'improper ideology' from Smithsonian museums and to propose actions to implement these policies.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History director Anthea Hartig defended the museum against the report's claims, stating, 'As we continue to fact-check the report, we unwaveringly attest that it does not fairly or accurately characterize the full body of work at the museum.' Hartig emphasized the quality and inspiration found in the museum's collections and programming.
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch also defended the institution, asserting that the White House’s report does not accurately reflect the museum's work and commitment to scholarship and accuracy.