The Smithsonian Institution has removed references to President Donald Trump’s impeachments from his portrait exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. This change was implemented last week with the introduction of a new black-and-white portrait, which presents Trump as the 45th and 47th president, along with his birth date. Previously, the accompanying label provided more detailed information, including specifics about his impeachments.
Details of Trump’s Impeachment Removals
The earlier exhibition label noted that Trump was impeached twice—once for abuse of power and once for incitement of insurrection following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Both times, he was acquitted by the Senate. The new portrait, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, features Trump in the Oval Office, with his fists clenched on the Resolute Desk.
Curatorial Changes at the National Portrait Gallery
A Smithsonian spokesperson informed CNN that the National Portrait Gallery is updating the “America’s Presidents” exhibition. The institution is considering a more minimalist approach for future displays. The spokesperson explained that they are exploring the use of simple labels, which may include only essential information such as the artist’s name.
Despite the alterations, the Smithsonian assures that the history of presidential impeachments will continue to be represented in its various museums, including the National Museum of American History. The gallery has historically included labels summarizing key events and contributions from each president’s tenure.
- Example: Bill Clinton’s portrait is paired with a label describing his impeachment related to a sexual relationship with an intern while under oath.
Political Pressures and Institutional Responses
The unveiling of Trump’s portrait has received praise from the administration, with a White House spokesperson indicating that Trump’s “unmatched aura” would resonate throughout the museum. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian faces increasing pressure from the current administration to align with its perspectives on American history.
In recent correspondence, White House officials expressed concerns that the museum has not met requests for materials related to exhibition labels and other academic resources. They set a deadline of January 13 for the Smithsonian to comply with these requests.
Recent Controversies Involving the Smithsonian
The institution has encountered significant scrutiny over its curatorial decisions. Notably, the former director of the National Portrait Gallery resigned following intense criticism from Trump. Additionally, artist Amy Sherald withdrew her exhibition due to disputes over the contextualization of controversial artwork.
In August, there was public backlash after the National Museum of American History temporarily removed a placard referencing Trump’s impeachments from an exhibit on the presidency. The Smithsonian clarified that this was a temporary measure and reinstated the panel shortly afterward with modifications.
The America’s Presidents gallery is scheduled to undergo renovations in April and will reopen on May 14. The changes to Trump’s portrait exhibition highlight ongoing debates regarding the representation of political history in American museums.
