Trump Orders Smithsonian Signage to Warn of Political Bias
The White House alleges that the Smithsonian and the NMAH “have directed the museum’s mission... toward extreme political activism, rooted in Marxism, to divide, dispirit and discourage Americans”
National Museum of American History. Image via Wikimedia Commons
An executive order from Donald Trump has ordered the Smithsonian Institution to “install temporary signage along the NPS-maintained sidewalks and walkways used by the public to access” the National Museum of American History (NMAH). It also mandates that signage inform visitors “that the museum exhibits should be renovated consistent with the findings” of a report released by the Domestic Policy Council on 04 July, detailing the White House’s disapproval of various exhibits.
In a document accompanying the executive order, the White House alleges that the Smithsonian and the NMAH “have directed the museum’s mission away from historical education and scholarship of a shared national inheritance to be celebrated, and toward extreme political activism, rooted in Marxism, to divide, dispirit and discourage Americans”.
Appearing before the US House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Delivery Government Efficiency on 21 and 22 July, the Smithsonian’s director, Anthea Hartig, stated that: ““Examining the harder chapters of our history is not the same as hostility toward America. We can and do honour the Declaration [of Independence], the Revolution, the Constitution and our national symbols, and also tell the truth about the times the country fell short of its own founding ideals. Telling our history fully is not anti-American. It is a form of respect for the American people and a commitment to constantly be in pursuit of ‘a more perfect union’.”
Related content
News
V&A Workers Set to Strike Despite Hydration Break Concession
Staff at the museum’s new East Storehouse have attacked museum management about access to water and toilets during shifts, while a wider dispute over pay and working conditions looks set to roll on through the summer
.jpg%3F2026-08-14T11%3A19%3A23.683Z&w=3840&q=100)
ICOM-US Backs Smithsonian Against Trump Pressure
ICOM-US has joined the American Alliance of Museums in defending the Smithsonian, weeks after its parent body strengthened its rules on museum independence
Aperture Reveals Programme for New Permanent New York Home
The photography publisher will open its 10,000 sq ft Upper West Side headquarters in September, four years after announcing plans for the permanent space
Elvira Dyangani Ose to Lead Zeitz MOCAA After Koyo Kouoh
The former MACBA director will take charge of the Cape Town museum’s artistic programme as it enters its first new chapter since the death of Koyo Kouoh
Sid Motion Gallery to Close After Ten Years in London
The South Bermondsey gallery will close this autumn, with founder Sid Motion saying its financial position no longer allows it to support its artists
Valerie Hillings to Lead Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
The North Carolina Museum of Art director returns to the project she helped shape for almost a decade ahead of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's opening in December
Francisco Correa Cordero, Founder of Lubov, Dies
The Mexico City-born dealer founded New York gallery Lubov in 2016, building a reputation for championing emerging artists and experimental practices
Basquiat Works at Centre of Vancouver Fraud Lawsuit
A multimillion-dollar art collection including works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Javier Calleja is at the centre of an ongoing lawsuit linked to the collapse of Vancouver property developer Coromandel Properties
Campaigners Fight to Keep CCA Archive Intact
Creative Scotland is exploring ways to preserve the archive of Glasgow's former Centre for Contemporary Arts after campaigners warned the collection should not be treated as a liquidatable asset
.JPG%3F2026-08-03T13%3A56%3A07.102Z&w=3840&q=100)
Royal Museums Greenwich Workers Vote to Strike
Prospect union members will strike on 11 and 12 August over pay and working conditions
Gagosian Scales Back in London and Basel
The exits are the latest in a series of mega-galleries downsizing, including Pace’s layoffs earlier this year and David Zwirner’s Manhattan departure
National Gallery Security Staff Segregated From Other Employees, Curator Claims
Outsourced security staff are being separated from other employees like “second class citizens”, a senior curator claims
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Intel on the art market. Straight to your inbox.
