Trump escalates Smithsonian attack with order for signs outside history museum | Donald Trump
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-24 19:01:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Orders Signs Accusing Smithsonian of Inaccuracy, Escalates Attacks on Museum’s Historical Approach
Donald Trump on Friday ordered the Interior Department to display signs in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History that accuse the institution of inaccuracy. This directive intensifies Trump’s ongoing attacks against the Smithsonian, which he and his allies claim is politicizing American history by focusing too heavily on injustices rather than on more triumphant moments, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Directives and Accusations
According to the order, Trump instructed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to work with the National Park Service and the White House’s domestic policy team to create temporary signs along the National Park Service-maintained sidewalks and walkways leading into the museum. The signs are to “notify visitors that the museum exhibits should be renovated consistent with the findings in the report” and direct the public to other sources for what Trump’s order claims is “better American history information.” The same team is also tasked with producing signs criticizing the Smithsonian for what Trump sees as insufficient commemoration of the Declaration of Independence during its 250th anniversary.
Criticism of the Smithsonian’s Approach
Trump’s order is rooted in the assertion that the Smithsonian has been “ideologically captured,” as detailed in a recent White House domestic policy council report titled “Saving America’s Story.” The report claims the museum’s leadership has adopted a framework that “no longer treats the American story as a shared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as a political instrument to divide, dispirit, and discourage our citizens.”
Response from Historians and Museum Leadership
The American Historical Association, representing professional historians, responded by praising the Smithsonian’s “commitment to scholarship and accuracy.” The group warned that “political interference in professional museum work threatens the accuracy of historical interpretation and erodes public trust in one of our nation’s most important institutions.”
Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, defended the museum’s approach in recent congressional hearings. She emphasized the institution’s commitment to honoring foundational American moments while also telling the truth about times when the country failed to live up to its ideals. “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,” Hartig said.
Conclusion
Trump’s order to publicly criticize the Smithsonian and direct visitors elsewhere marks a significant escalation in his campaign to reshape the nation’s historical narrative. While the administration claims the museum is distorting history, professional historians and museum leaders argue that telling the full story—including the nation’s shortcomings—is essential to historical accuracy and public trust. The clash highlights the ongoing debate over how America’s past should be remembered and taught.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/24/trump-smithsonian-history-museum