Smithsonian eliminates Trump impeachments mention from presidential display
In a controversial move, the Smithsonian Institution has removed references to Donald Trump's two impeachments from its exhibits, following an executive order signed by the former president in March 2025 [1].
Trump, the only president in American history to be impeached twice, was first acquitted in January 2020 following his first impeachment. His second impeachment charge was based on repeated false statements challenging the 2020 election results and his speech that encouraged lawless action at the Capitol [1].
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History removed references to Trump’s impeachments from the "Limits of Presidential Power" exhibit. The museum reverted that section of the exhibition to its 2008 state, which now only includes mentions of the impeachments of Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton, but excludes Trump's impeachments [1].
The Smithsonian has emphasized its commitment to maintaining scholarship free from political or partisan influence, acknowledging the need to ensure foundational values while responding to the executive order [1]. The removal of references to Trump’s impeachments reflects both the directive’s impact and the institution’s current approach to revising sensitive historical narratives amid political pressures.
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History plans to update the exhibit on the American presidency, including all impeachments. However, a timeline for the exhibit update has not been specified [1].
It is worth noting that Trump's executive order targeted the Smithsonian as one of his efforts to exert influence on American cultural, athletic, and artistic institutions. The former president also attempted to take over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and had the Washington Commanders football team revert back to their old name [1].
The White House, under Trump's administration, has stated that it will continue working to ensure the Smithsonian removes improper ideology and unites Americans regarding history [1]. However, the statement did not mention any specific plans for updating the exhibit on the American presidency.
The Smithsonian Institution made the decision after a review of the museum’s "legacy content" this year. The statement from the White House spokesperson did not acknowledge the reasons behind the Smithsonian’s decision to remove the board referencing Trump's impeachments [1]. In September 2021, a board was placed over the exhibit, reading: "Case under redesign (history happens*)" and referencing Trump's two impeachments [1].
Trump's term ended on January 20, making him the first former president tried by the Senate following his second impeachment. The Smithsonian board referencing President Trump's two impeachments remained in place until July 2025 [1].
References: [1] Associated Press. (2025, September 1). Smithsonian removes references to Trump's impeachments from exhibit. ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/smithsonian-removes-references-trumps-impeachments-exhibit/story?id=87428304
- While policy-and-legislation debates continued, the Smithsonian Institution faced public scrutiny for removing references to Donald Trump's two impeachments from its exhibits, a decision followed by an executive order signed by the former president in March 2025.
- In the midst of war-and-conflicts and general-news stories, the absence of Trump's impeachments from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's "Limits of Presidential Power" exhibit raised concerns about the institution's independence and commitment to preserving historical accuracy.
- Meanwhile, the ongoing push in crime-and-justice circles for accountability saw the Trump administration's attempts to exert influence on American cultural institutions, such as the Smithsonian and the Washington Commanders football team, coming under scrutiny.
- In a surprising turn, sports-betting enthusiasts found themselves discussing the political implications of Trump's executive order and its impact on the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's planned update of the exhibit on the American presidency.
- As fires ravaged different regions and car-accidents claimed lives across the country, the political landscape of the nation was shaken by the controversial decisions surrounding Trump's impeachments and their removal from the Smithsonian Institution's exhibits.
