Story perspectives

Trump Orders Signs at Smithsonian; House Calls Director to Testify

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signs a July 24, 2026 executive order to post signs outside the National Museum of American History.
The White House Policy Council’s July 4, 2026 “Saving America’s Story” report, following Trump’s March 27, 2025 order that made Vice President JD Vance Smithsonian Regent, declares the museum ideologically captured and urges removal of activism.
On July 21, 2026, the House Oversight Committee summons Smithsonian director Anthea M. Hartig to testify on the revised mission statement and exhibits.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signs a July 24, 2026 executive order to post signs outside the National Museum of American History.
The White House Policy Council’s July 4, 2026 “Saving America’s Story” report, following Trump’s March 27, 2025 order that made Vice President JD Vance Smithsonian Regent, declares the museum ideologically captured and urges removal of activism.
On July 21, 2026, the House Oversight Committee summons Smithsonian director Anthea M. Hartig to testify on the revised mission statement and exhibits.