In a recent update at Washington's Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, references to former President Donald Trump's two impeachments have been removed from his portrait display. The alterations mark another development in the ongoing adjustments occurring at Smithsonian museums, which President Trump has publicly criticized for perceived bias. He has simultaneously asserted authority over how official representations document American history.
The removed wall text had summarized Trump's first term and noted his comeback victory in the 2024 election, positioning him alongside historical context within the "American Presidents" exhibition. This text was originally placed next to a photograph taken during his first presidential term. Currently, the portrait on display is accompanied by a different photograph and lacks any extended textual description onsite, although the information remains accessible online. Notably, at the time of viewing, Trump was the only president without an extensive textual label in the gallery.
The White House has not confirmed whether it initiated these changes, and the Smithsonian declined to comment in response to inquiries. However, in August, Trump directed Smithsonian leadership to review all exhibitions in anticipation of the United States' 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. According to the administration, the review aims to "ensure alignment with the president's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions."
Previously, the Smithsonian's "portrait label" for Trump detailed significant aspects of his administration, such as his Supreme Court appointments and the government’s role in developing COVID-19 vaccines. The text concluded with: "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."
Further, the label referred to Trump's electoral defeat in 2020 and his historic return in 2024, highlighting that, alongside Grover Cleveland, Trump is the only president to have won two nonconsecutive terms.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle praised the updated photograph, which depicts Trump leaning over his Oval Office desk with a furrowed brow. Ingle indicated that this image "ensures Trump’s unmatched aura will be felt throughout the halls" of the gallery.
The photograph was captured by White House photographer Daniel Torok, whose credit appears on the display. The exhibit also includes medallions marking Trump as the 45th and 47th president, consistent with labels on other presidents' portraits that feature comprehensive biographical text. Traditionally, currently serving presidents are represented by photographs until commissioned paintings are completed.
It remains unclear if Trump or his representatives requested modifications to the portrait label. The gallery stated it had rotated two photographs of Trump before installing Torok’s work and that it is planning a broader update of the "America’s Presidents" gallery, set to undergo a larger refresh in the spring. The museum also noted it has been exploring "quotes or tombstone labels" offering succinct information, such as artist credits.
Meanwhile, references to impeachment remain in place for Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, and Richard Nixon's resignation over Watergate continues to be noted. The gallery confirmed that the history of presidential impeachments will continue to be reflected within Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History.
Trump has been explicit about his intention to influence federal documentation of U.S. history and culture. He has criticized how institutions, including the Smithsonian, address topics such as chattel slavery and has taken steps to impact how his and contemporaneous figures' legacies are portrayed.
Before issuing the Smithsonian review, Trump dismissed the head archivist of the National Archives and announced the firing of the National Portrait Gallery’s director, Kim Sajet. Although Sajet retained support from the Smithsonian's governing board initially, she ultimately resigned.
Separately, the White House has introduced a politically charged "Presidential Walk of Fame," showcasing gilded photographs and plaques that detail the achievements of Trump and his predecessors, with the exception of President Joe Biden. Biden is represented by an autopen image with plaques sharply critical of his presidency. According to White House statements, Trump personally authored the plaques accompanying his display, portraying his terms as historically successful.
This recent modification of Trump's Smithsonian display reflects ongoing debates about historical interpretation, political influence on cultural institutions, and the presentation of presidential legacies within America’s public memory.