The esteemed Smithsonian Institution has recently faced scrutiny for its decision to modify a significant museum display, reportedly removing all references to former President Donald Trump’s historic impeachments. This controversial alteration follows persistent and documented efforts by the White House to influence the independent institution’s exhibits, sparking debate over historical representation and political pressure within cultural establishments.
Specifically, the National Museum of American History reverted a temporary exhibit label—which had been in place since 2021—describing Trump’s two impeachments. The updated display now showcases an outdated label from 2008, which states that “only three presidents have seriously faced removal,” a statement that predates Trump’s two impeachment proceedings and refers solely to Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Richard Nixon, thereby omitting a crucial chapter in recent American presidential history.
This notable change is understood to be part of a broader content review that the Smithsonian agreed to undertake after the Trump administration’s vocal criticisms and attempts to exert influence. Observers suggest that the move reflects a wider effort by the former administration to shape public narratives and ensure institutions align with its preferred interpretations of historical events, particularly concerning the contentious period of Donald Trump’s presidency.
The incident at the museum is not isolated, but rather the latest in a series of reported attempts by the Trump administration to impose its will on the Smithsonian, an organization that, despite receiving federal funding, is designed to operate with independence from the executive branch. These efforts included directives to review diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and even an attempt to oust Kim Sajet, the long-serving director of the National Portrait Gallery, over perceived partisan leanings and her support for DEI initiatives, highlighting the profound political pressures on these public institutions.
Ironically, the Smithsonian had previously affirmed its commitment to historical accuracy and completeness. In January 2020, the institution announced its intention to update its collections to accurately represent the “historic events” of Donald Trump’s impeachment by the House of Representatives and his subsequent Senate trial, indicating a shift from its earlier stated resolve to capture the entirety of presidential history.
For context, Donald Trump faced his first impeachment in December 2019, accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. These charges stemmed from allegations related to his efforts to pressure Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden, then a political rival. Despite the House impeachment, Trump was acquitted by the Senate the following month, marking a significant political event in modern American history.
A second impeachment followed in January 2021, when the House impeached Trump for incitement of insurrection in the wake of the Capitol riot. This unprecedented second impeachment of a president underscored the deep political divisions and turmoil of the period. Similarly, he was acquitted by the Senate, but the historical significance of these events remains undeniable, impacting his presidential legacy.
The decision to revert the museum exhibit has drawn commentary from various political figures, with some, like Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, emphasizing that museums should present “the good, the bad, the ugly” of history. This ongoing debate around the Smithsonian’s exhibit highlights the delicate balance between historical interpretation, institutional autonomy, and political sensitivities in a polarized society, with the museum’s role in documenting American history under intense scrutiny.
