President Trump signed an executive order directing that warning signs be placed outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, citing claims that the museum presents inaccurate history.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the order. BBC News quoted a description of it as, "a clear political overreach, driven by an ideological agenda to rewrite American history,"1
The Smithsonian's secretary defended the institution's work. NBC News quoted the secretary saying that at the Smithsonian, their work is driven by scholarship, accuracy and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America's story.
Fox News reported that because the Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch, Trump cannot directly remove museum leadership or unilaterally change exhibits.
