The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, a revered institution chronicling the faces and legacies of American presidents, has found itself at the center of a heated debate after removing references to Donald Trump’s two impeachments from its “America’s Presidents” exhibition. The change, made in early January 2026, has ignited controversy over historical transparency, political influence, and the role of museums in shaping public memory.
Until last week, visitors to the gallery could read a detailed label accompanying Trump’s portrait. According to CNN, the previous text did not shy away from controversy: “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.” The label also highlighted Trump’s Supreme Court nominations, his administration’s development of COVID-19 vaccines, and his unprecedented return to the White House in 2024, making him the only president since Grover Cleveland to serve nonconsecutive terms.
But now, that context is gone. In its place, a new black-and-white portrait by White House photographer Daniel Torok shows Trump standing in the Oval Office, hands balled into fists on the resolute desk, his brow furrowed—a pose that White House spokesman Davis Ingle described to the Associated Press as ensuring Trump’s “unmatched aura ... will be felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery.” The only information provided is Trump’s birth date and the fact that he is the 45th and 47th president. There is no mention of impeachment, acquittal, or the violent events of January 6, 2021.
The Smithsonian, in a statement to CNN, explained that the gallery is “exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artist’s name,” as part of a broader update to the “America’s Presidents” exhibition. The museum further noted that “the history of Presidential impeachments continues to be represented in our museums, including the National Museum of American History.” Still, the contrast is stark: while the portrait labels for Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton include references to their impeachments, and Richard Nixon’s label mentions his resignation after the Watergate scandal, Trump’s display stands alone in its minimalism.
This shift comes amid mounting pressure from the White House. In August 2025, President Trump ordered a comprehensive review of all Smithsonian exhibits ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The administration’s stated goal was 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,” as reported by The Associated Press.
The White House’s approach has been anything but subtle. In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, officials warned that federal funding could be withheld unless the institution provided materials including gallery labels, future exhibition plans, and curatorial manuals. “The American people will have no patience for any museum that is diffident about America’s founding or otherwise uncomfortable conveying a positive view of American history, one which is justifiably proud of our country’s accomplishments and record,” the letter stated, according to CNN. The administration set a deadline of January 13 for compliance.
As the Smithsonian faces this unprecedented scrutiny, the ripple effects have been felt throughout the institution. In June 2025, Trump publicly criticized Kim Sajet, the former National Portrait Gallery director, for alleged partisanship and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Although the Smithsonian clarified that the president has no authority over personnel decisions, Sajet resigned weeks later. The following month, artist Amy Sherald canceled a major exhibition at the gallery, citing censorship concerns after the Smithsonian requested additional context for her painting of the Statue of Liberty modeled after a transgender artist. The museum denied any censorship but Sherald ultimately withdrew her show.
In August 2025, the National Museum of American History temporarily removed a placard referencing Trump’s impeachments, only to reinstall it with changes after public backlash. The Smithsonian insisted the removal was not due to government pressure.
Meanwhile, Trump has been determined to shape his own legacy—and that of his rivals. At the White House, he has instituted a “Presidential Walk of Fame,” featuring gilded photographs of himself and previous presidents, except for Joe Biden, who is represented only by an autopen signature. The plaques, which the White House said were authored by Trump himself, praise his own presidencies while describing Biden as “by far, the worst President in American History” who “brought our Nation to the brink of destruction.”
It’s not just the Smithsonian that has felt the weight of the administration’s hand. Trump’s broader efforts to influence how American history is documented have included criticism of how museums address the legacy of slavery and the nation’s more painful chapters. According to The Associated Press, the president has called for a more celebratory approach, one that focuses on “American exceptionalism” and avoids what he views as divisive narratives.
Supporters of the administration argue that the changes are necessary to restore balance and patriotism to America’s cultural institutions. They see the previous portrait label’s mention of impeachment as unnecessarily negative and say the new approach better reflects the president’s achievements and the nation’s core values. “The American people deserve a museum that is proud of our history,” said one administration official in a statement cited by CNN.
Critics, however, view the removal of impeachment references as an alarming act of historical revisionism. They point to the fact that other presidents’ scandals remain on display and warn that erasing uncomfortable facts undermines the integrity of the institution. “If we start sanitizing history to suit those in power, we risk losing the lessons of the past,” argued a museum historian, echoing concerns voiced in the press and among the public.
The National Portrait Gallery’s planned renovation, which will close the exhibition from April to May 2026, offers no immediate resolution. The Smithsonian insists that the broader history of presidential impeachments will continue to be represented elsewhere, but for now, Trump’s display remains the only one without extended context—an omission that speaks volumes in the country’s ongoing struggle to balance pride with honesty.
As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, the debate over how to remember its leaders—and its failures—shows no sign of fading away.
