Smithsonian Reinstates Trump in Impeachment Display, Amends Exhibit Text
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History reinstated a placard for President Donald Trump's impeachments on August 2, 2025, following its removal a week prior. The initial removal was due to the placard not meeting the museum's standards in appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation, which blocked the view of objects inside the display case [1][2][3][4].
Originally added as a temporary measure in 2021, the placard was part of the "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden" exhibit's impeachment section, featuring the impeachments of various U.S. presidents, including Trump [2][3]. The restored placard now contains updated information about Trump's impeachment cases, providing a more comprehensive historical context [1][3][4].
The museum's statement on August 1 noted that it was not asked by any Administration or government official to remove content from the exhibit [1][2][3][4]. Lindsey Halligan, a White House official, reiterated that the White House wasn't involved in the revision but emphasized that President Trump was acquitted twice by the Senate, a fact that belongs in the historical record [1][2][3][4].
The removal prompted criticism, including from Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, who called it "Orwellian" and "downright Orwellian" [1][2][3][4]. However, the museum emphasized that the removal was not due to any political pressure but rather internal content and presentation standards [1][2][3][4]. The updated placard was reinstated to better integrate with the exhibit and provide a comprehensive historical context [1][3][4].
It is worth noting that no other changes had been made at the museum, according to the Smithsonian's statement on August 1 [1][2][3][4]. The display had been on view at the Washington, D.C., museum since 2021 [1][2][3][4]. The new text on the placard has fewer details than the temporary signage that preceded it [1][3][4].
[1] Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Statement on the Impeachment Case within the 'The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden' exhibition, August 1, 2025. [2] Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Removal of Temporary Placard from Impeachment Display, August 2, 2025. [3] Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Updates to the Impeachment Display, August 2, 2025. [4] White House Press Briefing, August 2, 2025.
- The reinstated placard for President Donald Trump's impeachments at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History offers updated information about Trump's impeachment cases.
- Despite the temporary nature of the placard, it became a part of the "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden" exhibit in 2021.
- The museum's removal of the placard was due to it not meeting the museum's standards, not any political pressure or government request.
- The restored placard is now in a location and presentation that does not block the view of objects inside the display case.
- The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History also clarified that no other changes had been made at the museum following the removal of the placard.
- The debate over the removal of the placard reached the political sphere, with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer calling it "Orwellian."
