The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., has updated the wall text accompanying a new portrait of President Donald Trump. The revised label no longer includes references to his two impeachments or other details about his presidency.
Smithsonian's Explanation
A spokesperson for the Smithsonian stated that this change is part of a planned update to its "America's Presidents" gallery, which involves new labels and wall text. The museum is exploring the use of "tombstone labels," designed to provide general information such as the artist's name.
Content Comparison
The previous label, available on the Smithsonian's website, mentioned Trump's Supreme Court nominations, the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, and his two impeachments "on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection," noting his acquittal by the Senate in both cases.
The current text for the new portrait provides Trump's birth year, identifies him as the 45th and 47th president, lists the dates of his presidency, and includes details about the photographer and the photograph itself.
Broader Context
Other Smithsonian institutions, such as the National Museum of American History, contain information regarding U.S. presidential impeachments. In July, the National Museum of American History also removed references to Trump's impeachments from its exhibit titled "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden."
Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives in 2019 concerning his request for Ukraine to investigate the Biden family, and again in 2021 for inciting an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol following his electoral loss. He was acquitted in both Senate trials.
This update occurs during a period of heightened scrutiny for the Smithsonian Institution. In March, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating "divisive race-centered ideology" from Smithsonian museums. Over the summer, the White House initiated a "comprehensive internal review" of eight Smithsonian museums, including the National Portrait Gallery.
In May, Trump reportedly attempted to remove former National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet, who he described as "a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI." Sajet subsequently resigned.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle described the new portrait as an "iconic photo" of the president, adding that "his unmatched aura will be seen and felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery."