The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., recently stirred significant discussion by temporarily removing specific references to former President Donald Trump from its presidential impeachments display. This decision, affecting an exhibit within the renowned “The American Presidency” gallery, has prompted public inquiry given Trump’s unique historical position as the only U.S. president to be impeached twice.
Opened in 2000, “The American Presidency” is a permanent gallery designed to showcase information and artifacts related to the nation’s highest office. The impeachment section historically featured details on figures like Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Richard Nixon, the latter of whom resigned before formal impeachment proceedings could conclude. The integrity and scope of this long-standing exhibit are central to the museum’s mission of chronicling American history.
According to a statement from the Smithsonian Institution, a “temporary label on content concerning the impeachments of Donald J. Trump” was initially added in September 2021. This addition was intended as a short-term measure to reflect current events at that time. However, the label remained in place for an extended period, until July 2025, which ultimately led to its removal as part of a broader content review.
Following this review, the display was restored to its appearance from nearly two decades ago, specifically how it looked in 2008. The updated wording in the exhibit now states that “only three presidents have seriously faced removal,” subtly omitting the specific mention of Donald Trump, a detail noted in reports by outlets like the Washington Post, further highlighting the ongoing evolution of historical interpretation.
The museum explained its rationale, stating that in reviewing “legacy content,” it became evident that the “Limits of Presidential Power” section, part of “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” exhibition, required attention. Given that other topics within this section had not been updated since 2008, the decision was made to revert the “Impeachment” case back to its original 2008 presentation to ensure consistency across the exhibit.
Despite the physical exhibit’s temporary changes, the companion website for the display continues to acknowledge all presidential impeachments. While it doesn’t feature a dedicated section for the Trump impeachments, an introductory sentence explicitly notes, “The House of Representatives impeached Andrew Johnson in 1868, William J. Clinton in 1998, and Donald Trump in 2019 and again in 2021. In all four cases the Senate voted to acquit.” This ensures comprehensive information is still available digitally.
The online component also provides extensive details on the historical precedents, including sections about Johnson’s impeachment—complete with period tickets and newspaper clips—Nixon’s Senate hearing and resignation, featuring testimony papers and photos, and Clinton’s trial, accompanied by tickets and Senate question cards. These digital archives offer valuable context to the physical displays at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
The Smithsonian affirmed its commitment to a complete historical record, stating that “A future and updated exhibit will include all impeachments.” They also highlighted that undertaking such comprehensive updates and renewals of permanent galleries is a significant endeavor, requiring substantial time and funding. This ongoing process underscores the dynamic nature of presenting American history exhibits.
The temporary adjustment reflects the careful consideration museums undertake in presenting evolving historical narratives. As the Smithsonian continues to curate and update its significant American history exhibits, the public remains keenly interested in how these pivotal moments, including presidential impeachments, are documented and interpreted for future generations.
