The Smithsonian Updates Trump Portrait Display, Omits Impeachment References
In a notable update at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, President Trump’s portrait now lacks any reference to his two impeachments. The display, part of the “American Presidents” exhibit, has shifted its focus, leaving out significant details about his presidency.
According to a Smithsonian spokesperson, this change is part of a broader update to the gallery, which will feature new labels and wall text. They explained, “For some new exhibitions and displays, the museum has been exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artist’s name.”
Previously, the portrait’s label included Trump’s Supreme Court nominations, his role in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, and details of his impeachments. These impeachments, which are still documented on the
Smithsonian’s website, involved charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection, both ending in Senate acquittals.
The new label now merely highlights Trump’s birth year, his position as the 45th and 47th president, and information about the photographer, Daniel Torok, who captured the portrait.
These updates come amid a tense climate for the Smithsonian Institution. In March, Trump issued an
executive order targeting the removal of “divisive race-centered ideology” from Smithsonian museums. Furthermore, a White House-led
internal review of eight Smithsonian museums was conducted over the summer.
The former director of the National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet, was a target of Trump’s ire, leading to her eventual resignation. Trump labeled her “a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI.”
This development has not gone unnoticed by the current administration. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle acknowledged the new portrait as an “iconic photo” and emphasized that “his unmatched aura will be seen and felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery,” according to a statement to
The New York Times.
Trump’s impeachments were significant events during his tenure. The first, in 2019, was linked to a
request to Ukraine to investigate the Biden family before the 2020 election. The second, in 2021, followed the
insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Both impeachments ended with Senate acquittals.
Additionally, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has also removed references to Trump’s impeachments from its exhibit, “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden,” as reported in
July.
