Preserving and Remembering the History of Trump and other Tyrants Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 6, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to establish a federally funded historical exhibit and public signage explicitly condemning the actions and perceived authoritarian tendencies of former and current President Donald J. Trump.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Smithsonian Institution to create a permanent exhibition in the National Museum of American History focusing on governmental propaganda, corruption, and authoritarianism during Donald J. Trump's two presidencies (2017-2021 and 2025-2029). It mandates the collection of specific artifacts, including those related to Executive Order 14416 and "self-portrait banners," and requires highly critical accompanying signage both within the museum and on adjacent National Park Service land. An appropriation of $5,000,000 is authorized for these purposes.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for preserving an accurate historical record of what they view as a period of significant democratic erosion and authoritarian threat under Donald Trump's presidencies. They contend that documenting these events, including alleged propaganda and corruption, is essential for future generations to understand and resist similar challenges to American democracy. The explicit signage is seen as a necessary counter-narrative to what they perceive as executive overreach and propagandistic efforts.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that this bill represents a partisan attack, an inappropriate use of federal funds for political purposes, and an attempt to rewrite history through a biased lens. They might contend that it politicizes the Smithsonian Institution, an academic and cultural body, and that the mandated signage constitutes government-sponsored propaganda against a political figure, undermining principles of historical objectivity and free speech.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for a quick and complete understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Directing Smithsonian to Establish "American Struggle Against Authoritarianism" Exhibit
This provision mandates that the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution collect, preserve, and display artifacts in a permanent exhibition within the National Museum of American History. The exhibit is specifically to focus on the rise of governmental propaganda, corruption, and authoritarianism during Donald J. Trump's two presidencies (January 20, 2017 - January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025 - January 20, 2029). The broader theme of the exhibition is the American struggle against authoritarianism, monarchy, and autocracy throughout history.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures that a critical period in American history, marked by perceived threats to democratic norms, is thoroughly documented and presented to the public. They believe it is vital for civic education and for reinforcing democratic values by highlighting the historical struggle against authoritarianism.
Critics contend
Opponents would likely argue that this provision forces the Smithsonian to adopt a politically charged and biased narrative, undermining its role as a neutral historical institution. They might contend it is an attempt to use a federal museum for partisan political purposes, rather than objective historical scholarship.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire to document a specific, controversial period from a particular political perspective and the institutional neutrality expected of a national museum. It balances the urgency of historical preservation with concerns about politicization.
Section 2(b)
Specific Artifact Collection Directives
This section outlines specific types of artifacts the Smithsonian Secretary should consider collecting for the exhibition. These include items related to the Secretary of the Interior's implementation of Executive Order 14416 (July 24, 2026), particularly signage. It also targets "self-portrait banners" from federal agencies during Trump's second term, and other artifacts related to "President's narcissistic self-worship and propagandistic assault on American history and American democracy." Additionally, it suggests collecting still/video images from private individuals and media, and personal narratives of citizens who resisted authoritarianism.
Section 2(c)
Prescribed Exhibit Signage Content
This provision mandates the exact text for a sign to accompany the permanent exhibition within the National Museum of American History. The text explicitly states that "Donald Trump ordered the installation of these signs without any Congressional authorization," refers to him as "twice-impeached President," and frames his actions as "authoritarian reaction to democracy." It also directs visitors to learn about "Know-Nothingism, white supremacy, the Lost Cause romance with slavery and the Confederacy, McCarthyism, Trump's Big Lie and attack on the 2020 presidential election."
Section 2(d)
Removal and Counter-Signage on National Park Service Land
This section first directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service (NPS), to remove any signage placed on NPS-maintained sidewalks and walkways near the Museum without Congressional authorization, specifically referencing Executive Order 14416. Second, it mandates that if the President or Executive Branch continues to display such unauthorized signage, the NPS must post an adjacent sign of equal size, bearing the seal of Congress. This counter-signage would explicitly state that the adjacent sign was ordered by Donald Trump without authorization, does not represent the views of the American people or Congress, and should be studied as an "authoritarian reaction to democracy," directing visitors to the museum exhibit for more information.
Section 2(e)
Funding for Exhibition and Signage
This section authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Smithsonian Institution. These funds are designated specifically to carry out all the provisions of Section 2, including the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts, as well as the installation of mandated signage. The funds are to remain available until expended, meaning they do not expire at the end of a fiscal year.