The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has confirmed it will reintroduce references to former President Donald Trump in its long-standing exhibit on presidential impeachments, following a brief removal that ignited a significant public debate. This decision comes after a placard detailing Trump’s two impeachment trials was taken down, raising widespread concerns about potential external influence on the prestigious cultural institution and its representation of American History Exhibit.
Initially, the museum cited issues with the temporary placard’s “appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation” as the sole reasons for its removal. Officials stated the addition, intended as a temporary measure within the 25-year-old “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” display, did not align with the museum’s rigorous standards and obstructed the view of historical artifacts housed within its case, emphasizing a non-political basis for the initial action.
Despite the Smithsonian’s assertion that the decision was purely logistical and uninfluenced by external pressures, particularly from the White House, the timing of the placard’s removal fueled accusations of political interference. The museum explicitly denied any requests from the administration or other government officials to alter the exhibit’s content, maintaining its institutional independence.
“The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” exhibit, first unveiled in 2000 and last formally updated in 2008, has seen various temporary additions over time to keep pace with contemporary events. The Donald Trump Impeachment placard, affixed in 2021, was one such attempt to reflect recent historical developments without undergoing a costly full exhibit overhaul.
The removal provoked sharp criticism from various lawmakers, who viewed the act as an attempt to censor historical facts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer notably condemned the move, likening it to “Orwellian” tactics seen in authoritarian regimes and asserting that the American public would not forget Trump’s dual impeachments, regardless of museum displays.
This incident is not isolated, occurring amidst broader efforts by former President Trump to influence Cultural Institutions like the Smithsonian Museum. Trump has previously criticized the institution for allegedly embracing a “divisive, race-centered ideology” and signed an order directing his then-Vice President to address “improper ideology” within the museums, illustrating a pattern of desired Political Influence over historical narratives.
Further underscoring the climate of concern, artist Amy Sherald recently withdrew her portrait of a transgender woman from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Sherald cited internal museum discussions about removing or contextualizing her work, titled “Trans Forming Liberty,” due to “concerns,” leading her to refuse to “comply with a culture of censorship,” especially regarding vulnerable communities.
The Smithsonian, however, offered a differing perspective on Sherald’s withdrawal, asserting that the artist was not asked to remove her painting. Instead, the museum sought to contextualize the portrait through an accompanying video featuring diverse viewpoints, aiming to foster broader understanding. This disagreement highlights the complex challenges cultural institutions face in presenting nuanced historical and social narratives.
As the Presidential Impeachments exhibit prepares for its update in the coming weeks to encompass all such proceedings in U.S. history, the episode at the Smithsonian underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the interpretation and presentation of contemporary political history within esteemed national institutions. The decision to restore the references is a testament to the public’s demand for comprehensive historical representation.
