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Trump Orders Removal of Smithsonian Signs Amid History Debate

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered removal of signs outside the Smithsonian museum amid a history controversy.
Director Anthea Hartig called history a prime tool of social justice in a February 2025 UCLA talk.
Hartig described the museum’s approach as equity-based, justice-forward and humble while announcing a vision to make the museum an accessible, inclusive public-history institution.
She noted bilingual exhibitions and signage in English and Spanish since fall 2019.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered removal of signs outside the Smithsonian museum amid a history controversy.
Director Anthea Hartig called history a prime tool of social justice in a February 2025 UCLA talk.
Hartig described the museum’s approach as equity-based, justice-forward and humble while announcing a vision to make the museum an accessible, inclusive public-history institution.
She noted bilingual exhibitions and signage in English and Spanish since fall 2019.