The Smithsonian Institution quietly reverted its presidential impeachment exhibit to a 2008 design, omitting any mention of President Trump’s two impeachments. This change, finalized in July 2025, followed pressure from the Trump administration and an executive order targeting alleged ideological bias in federal museums.
The National Museum of American History removed labels added in September 2021 under the “Limits of Presidential Power” section, eliminating references to President Trump’s first impeachment in December 2019 (abuse of power and obstruction charges) and second impeachment in January 2021 (incitement of insurrection). The label had framed Trump alongside past impeachment figures including Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Richard Nixon.
Smithsonian officials claim the reinstatement was part of a review of “legacy content,” restoring the exhibit to a pre‑2008 appearance since other topics in the section had not been updated in years. They confirmed that future updates will include a comprehensive display listing all impeached presidents, including Trump.
In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. ” The order called for the removal of “divisive” or “anti‑American ideology” from Smithsonian exhibits and empowered Vice President J.D. Vance to oversee federal cultural funding.
“The Trump administration will continue working to ensure that the Smithsonian removes all improper ideology and once again unites and instills pride in all Americans regarding our great history,” wrote White House Spokesperson Davis Ingle to NPR.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized the action as “pathetic,” warning it resembles tactics found in authoritarian regimes aimed at rewriting history. He called out what he termed Trump’s effort to erase unflattering historical facts.
Despite the physical removal, references to Trump’s impeachments remain in the online version of the exhibit and Smithsonian collection database, which still list his trials among 125 impeachment-related entries. The Smithsonian affirmed its independence, but internal turmoil underscores escalating tensions, including the resignation of the National Portrait Gallery’s director and canceled exhibitions.
