President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order on July 24, 2026, aiming to address concerns regarding alleged ideological capture within the Smithsonian Institution. The order specifically targets the National Museum of American History following a multi-month review conducted by the Domestic Policy Council.
The directive follows the release of a report titled Saving America’s Story, which asserts that the museum’s leadership uses American history as a tool to promote social justice and radical societal transformation. The administration alleges that the current leaders of the Smithsonian Institution and the museum cannot be trusted to tell the history of the United States with honesty and gratitude.
Under the new policy, the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the National Park Service are directed to place temporary signage on public sidewalks and walkways used to access the museum. This signage is intended to notify visitors of the report findings and direct them toward resources providing what the administration describes as accurate information regarding American history.
The order also requires the installation of temporary exhibits or signage on land maintained by the National Park Service to correct perceived inaccuracies. This measure is intended to properly honor the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during the nation’s 250th anniversary year.
Federal officials, including the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Administrator of General Services, are instructed to use all available authorities to ensure the museum’s exhibits are renovated in accordance with the report. The administration intends to use all available mechanisms, including funding and contract conditions, to ensure compliance and restore trust in the institution.
