• Trump issued an executive order to install signs outside the Smithsonian to address 'inaccurate' historical information.
• The order cites a report claiming the museum exhibits exhibit an anti-American bias.
• Signage to warn visitors and direct them to alternative historical sources has been mandated.
• This move is part of a broader campaign to reshape the portrayal of U.S. history and counter 'woke ideology.'
• Smithsonian leadership has defended its narrative against accusations of political bias.

President Donald Trump has mandated the installation of signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to caution visitors about what his administration argues are "inaccurate" representations of U.S. history. His executive order, issued on July 24, is centered on a White House report that accuses the museum of adopting "an ideological framework" rather than celebrating a unified American story, and promotes what it describes as "extreme political activism" according to Reuters, CBS News, and BBC.

The report, titled "Saving America's Story," suggests that the Smithsonian leadership views American history primarily as a tool to advance social justice, thus allegedly limiting its impartiality and presenting a narrative that discourages patriotism. It recommends signage above each museum entrance stating: "Warning: the exhibits in this museum were prepared by people who don't want you to love your country," calling for corrective measures to ensure a more favorable view of American history according to Reuters and CBS News.

Furthermore, Trump's order emphasizes that the current leadership cannot be trusted to portray America's history accurately, asserting a need for "proper" history instruction as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. This directive aligns with Trump's ongoing campaign to counter what he describes as a "woke ideology" infiltrating public and educational institutions, echoing sentiments from his previous actions aimed at dismantling diversity and equity programs, as highlighted by BBC.

The Smithsonian, despite being a prominent exhibition space for American culture, has faced criticism from the Trump administration for perceived bias in its storytelling. The institution did not comment on the executive order, which continues the president's engagement in reshaping how history is interpreted and presented within federal entities, according to Reuters, CBS News, and BBC.