The Trump administration is secretly preparing temporary signs to post outside the National Museum of American History accusing the Smithsonian Institution of historical bias.
Trump has continuously criticized the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of American History for displaying “divisive, race-centered ideology” because it differs from his personal views.
In a letter obtained by The Atlantic, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who oversees the National Park Service, said: “The informational signage therefore will provide visitors with important context about the exhibits they are about to encounter and the personal viewpoints that the curators of the exhibits are seeking to advance.”
Burgum continued by asserting that the museum is pushing “ideologies that distract from a coherent and accurate presentation of America’s story.”
“This may be the first instance in which executive branch intervention of this nature has become necessary,” he added.
A display at the exhibit entitled “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness” at the National Museum of American History. Credit: National Museum of American History 
Part of the historic Greensboro lunch counter is on display to pay tribute to the peaceful civil rights protest in 1960 against segregation. Credit: National Museum of American History 
The Dollar Weekly Times featured portraits of historical American figures and aggressive political messaging targeting Catholic immigrants during the 1850s political movement. Credit: Ralph E. Becker Collection of Political Americana/ National Museum of American History 
Portrait of Mamie Till-Mobley with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, then president of the Chicago Historical Society, January 3, 2003. Credit: Ovie Carter/National Museum of American History 
Black organizers walked the defaced memorial sign of Emmett Till through the University of Mississippi campus, resting it at a Confederate statue. Credit: Suzi Altman/National Museum of American History
These signs come after Lonnie Bunch, the first Black Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced his resignation amid ongoing criticism from President Trump.
Back in March 2025, Trump threatened to “prohibit expenditure on exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy,” in an executive order.
