In brief
President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to place warning signs outside the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The order, titled “Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution,” labels several exhibits as “inaccurate” and claims the museum’s narrative is driven by a Marxist-driven, socially‑justice agenda. Trump further demands that the museum provide paths to what he defines as ‘accurate’ information. The move follows earlier Trump administration actions aimed at curbing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across federal agencies and follows congressional hearings criticizing the Smithsonian for adopting a so‑called “woke” ideology. The order adds to tensions between the museum, funded by federal appropriations, and the president’s efforts to reshape American cultural institutions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to display warning signs about exhibits he has called 'inaccurate,' according to an executive order released on Friday.
The order, named "Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution," directs the Department of the Interior to post notices outside the museum and to guide visitors to what Trump describes as more "accurate" depictions of American history. It also accuses the museum of using history as a "prime tool" to further a Marxist‑influenced agenda aimed at advancing social justice and radical transformation of society.
The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized Smithsonian leadership, claiming the institution has become a platform for an anti‑American bias and a "woke ideology" that weakens traditional narratives of American heritage. The executive order comes shortly after the Smithsonian's director, Anthea Hartig, was questioned by Republican lawmakers in congressional hearings where similar accusations were raised.
A White House statement accompanying the order highlighted concerns that the museum has "erased our heritage" and called for a shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes, which the administration has sought to eliminate across federal agencies. Trump’s broader policy agenda includes several other executive orders targeting what he perceives as left‑wing cultural influence.
The Smithsonian, a federally funded network of 21 museums spread across Washington, Virginia, and New York, offers free admission to millions of visitors each year and houses a vast collection of artifacts that chronicle American culture and history. The new signage is expected to appear near the museum’s entrance, but no official response from the Smithsonian has yet been released.
