Smithsonian Replaces Trump Portrait, Removes Impeachment References Amid White House Review
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Smithsonian Institution has unveiled a new portrait of former President Donald Trump at its National Portrait Gallery, simultaneously removing references to his two impeachments and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack from the accompanying exhibit text. This change comes amid a sweeping White House-ordered review of museum content ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations later this year.
Previously, the Trump portrait featured the former president against a black background with his hands folded. The new black-and-white photograph, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, depicts Trump with his fists resting on the Resolute Desk, staring directly into the camera. White House spokesman Davis Ingle hailed the update, stating, “For the first time in history, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has hung up an iconic photo taken by the White House honoring President Trump. His unmatched aura will be seen and felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery.”
The Smithsonian’s decision follows Trump’s repeated accusations that museums have become “woke” and biased against him and his administration. In response, the White House ordered an extensive review of all Smithsonian museums and programming, demanding internal records by January 13 or threatening potential federal funding cuts. This directive is part of a broader effort to reassess how American history and politics are presented in federally funded institutions.
Until recently, the text panel beside Trump’s portrait explicitly noted his two impeachments, stating: “Impeached twice—on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021—he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials.” That detailed description has now been replaced with a much shorter plaque listing only Trump’s years in office. According to The Associated Press, Trump is currently the only president in the gallery whose display omits extended text highlighting significant events during his tenure. Other presidents, such as Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson, still have their impeachments noted in their exhibit descriptions.
The National Portrait Gallery issued a statement to the AP explaining that the museum has been exploring the use of “quotes or tombstone labels,” which provide only general information such as the artist’s name, rather than detailed historical context. This shift reflects an institutional reconsideration of how presidential legacies are portrayed to the public.
The Smithsonian’s changes come as the institution prepares for the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration, marking 250 years since American independence. The White House’s directive to review museum content is part of a broader initiative to ensure that federally funded cultural institutions align with the administration’s vision of American history.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about how museums and public history institutions should handle politically sensitive or contentious aspects of recent history. Critics argue that omitting references to impeachment and the Capitol attack risks sanitizing historical record, while supporters contend that the changes correct perceived biases and restore balance.
For more information on the Smithsonian Institution’s policies and the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibitions, visit the Smithsonian Institution and the National Portrait Gallery websites. Details about the White House’s directives on museum reviews can be found through the White House official site. Context on presidential impeachments is available at the National Archives.
As the nation approaches a milestone anniversary, the evolving presentation of presidential history at the Smithsonian underscores the complex intersection of politics, memory, and cultural heritage in America.
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