Administration proposes warning signs accusing Smithsonian of promoting radical ideologies

The Trump administration is moving to install a series of signs at Smithsonian sites in Washington, D.C., warning visitors that the museums are no longer objective storytellers. In letters to Senators Murkowski and Merkley, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argued that the leadership of the Smithsonian and the National Museum of American History have turned the institutions into tools for radical ideology, referencing remarks by director Anthea Hartig that history serves social-justice goals.

The signs would also accuse the museums of endorsing illegal immigration, open borders, and non-binary gender concepts, and would highlight alleged bias by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch. The administration says the signs are temporary and would cost roughly $7,000 each, totaling about $84,000. Smithsonian officials declined to comment, while Bunch announced his retirement at year-end, stating it was unrelated to the administration’s actions. Senators have framed the move as part of a broader pressure campaign against cultural institutions.