Smithsonian Alters Impeachment Exhibit, Removes Trump Reference
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History has removed direct references to former President Donald Trump from its impeachment exhibit. The change comes after the institution agreed to review its content, following pressure from the White House, according to a spokesperson and reports from the Washington Post.
The museum, located in Washington D.C., made this revision as part of a broader review of its displays. A future version of the exhibit will include information on all presidential impeachments, the Smithsonian confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
Content Review Follows Executive Order
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aimed at removing what he described as “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from Smithsonian displays. This move raised concerns among historians and cultural leaders about political interference in museum content. Critics also fear it could undo progress made in representing significant moments in US history.
According to the museum, the Trump-related label was initially a temporary addition. “In September 2021, the museum installed a temporary label on content concerning the impeachments of Donald J. Trump,” a spokesperson said via email. It remained in place until July 2025.
Exhibit Reverts to Pre-2008 Version
The updated exhibit now simply notes that “only three presidents have seriously faced removal.” This general statement refers to the impeachments of Andrew Johnson in 1868, Bill Clinton in 1998, and Donald Trump during his term from 2017 to 2021. Although Richard Nixon was not impeached, he resigned before proceedings could begin.
Previously, the display featured a label that read “Case under redesign (history happens).” This label provided information about all past impeachment cases, including Trump’s. The museum has since restored the exhibit to its 2008 format following a full content review.
Smithsonian’s Autonomy Questioned
While the Smithsonian is largely funded by the US Congress, it operates independently in its decision-making. However, this recent change has led to concerns over political pressure influencing curatorial choices.
In June, Kim Sajet, director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, stepped down after facing criticism from Trump.
Trump holds a unique place in American history as the only president to be impeached twice. His first impeachment stemmed from his request that Ukraine investigate Joe Biden and his son. The second followed the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.
Although three presidents have been impeached by the House of Representatives, none were removed from office. Each was acquitted by the Senate.
with inputs from Reuters
