Smithsonian Removes Trump Impeachment Display After Museum Review, Sparking Controversy
The National Museum of American History, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, recently chose to temporarily withdraw a display referring to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments from an exhibit focused on the American presidency.
In response to inquiries by CNN on Thursday, the Smithsonian Institution disclosed that this decision was the outcome of a review of their historical content this year. The institution declared on Saturday that they had not been requested by any administration or government official to omit content from the exhibit and assured that the display will be revised in the coming weeks to encompass all impeachment proceedings throughout American history.
The exhibit was last updated in 2008, featuring information about the impeachments of Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, as well as the impeachment process against President Richard Nixon, who resigned before being officially impeached due to the Watergate scandal.
Trump is unique among American presidents for having been impeached twice: The first impeachment in 2019 was based on allegations of unlawful solicitation of Ukraine to influence the 2020 presidential election, and obstruction of Congress. Trump was acquitted in January 2020. His second impeachment in 2021 charged him with incitement of insurrection, related to his actions concerning the Capitol riot that year. Again, he was acquitted by the Senate.
In September 2021, a board covering the exhibit at the Smithsonian read: “Case under redesign (history happens*).” This board referenced Trump’s two impeachments and provided details regarding each impeachment.
“On December 18, 2019, the House impeached Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress,” the reference to his first impeachment read. “The charges focused on the president’s solicitation of foreign influence in the 2020 presidential election and his defiance of Congressional subpoenas. President Trump was acquitted in January 2020.”
“On January 13, 2021, Donald Trump became the first president to be impeached twice,” the reference to his second impeachment read. “The charge was incitement of insurrection, based on repeated ‘false statements’ challenging the 2020 election results and his January 6 speech that ‘encouraged — and foreseeably resulted in — lawless action at the Capitol.'”
The Smithsonian stated that this board was intended to be a temporary measure addressing current events at the time, but it remained until July 2025. The institution asserted that the placard did not meet their standards for appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation, as well as obstructing the view of objects within its case.
When asked about the removal of references to Trump’s impeachment, a White House spokesperson issued a statement, claiming that “Unfortunately for far too long, the Smithsonian museums have highlighted divisive exhibits which are out of touch with mainstream America.” The spokesperson further expressed support for updating displays to emphasize American greatness.
Trump’s influence on cultural, athletic, and artistic institutions in America is evident through his efforts, such as attempts to assume control over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, to reinstate the Washington Commanders football team’s old name, and to prohibit transgender individuals from participating in women’s sports.