WASHINGTON (AP) — The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has altered President Donald Trump's portrait display by removing mentions of his two impeachments, which has drawn accusations of historical bias. Previously included alongside a photograph taken during Trump's first term, the text noted his impeachments and clarified his administration’s Supreme Court nominations. Now, the display features a different photo without any accompanying text, though details remain accessible online.
The White House neither confirmed nor denied involvement in these adjustments, but Trump previously ordered a review of Smithsonian exhibits ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The administration's goal is purportedly to celebrate American exceptionalism while eliminating divisive narratives.
Trump's omitted text described his impeachments on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, along with his acquittal by the Senate. The Smithsonian gallery has plans for future updates to better reflect presidential history, especially regarding impeachments that remain documented for other former presidents.
Controversy surrounding these changes highlights ongoing debates on how public institutions document U.S. history and culture. Critics argue that attempts to sanitize the past undermine the integrity of historical scholarship and public memory, illustrating the tensions between politics and the artistic representation of history.
