A significant alteration has been made to the public display of former U.S. President Donald Trump's official portrait at a prominent Washington institution. The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has removed the reference to his two impeachments from the informational plaque accompanying his photograph in its "American Presidents" exhibit.
Details of the Change at the National Portrait Gallery
The change was observed and documented on Sunday, January 11, 2026. A photograph of Trump and a short descriptive plaque remain on display at the gallery located in Washington, D.C. However, the updated text no longer includes the historical fact of his impeachments by the U.S. House of Representatives, a detail that was previously part of the display for the 45th president.
The Associated Press captured an image of the display on that date, confirming the portrait's presence but not the specific content of the revised plaque. The portrait is part of the gallery's permanent collection dedicated to the nation's commanders-in-chief, a exhibit that traditionally provides a factual, non-partisan summary of each president's term.
Context and Immediate Reactions
While the Smithsonian Institution has not immediately issued a public statement explaining the rationale for the edit, such changes to historical displays often spark debate about historical accuracy, narrative, and institutional responsibility. The removal of a major constitutional event from a presidential summary is a notable curatorial decision.
The impeachments of Donald Trump—first in December 2019 and again in January 2021—were landmark events in modern American political history. Their omission from the official biographical material at a federally-funded museum raises questions about how recent, contentious history is preserved and presented for the public.
Broader Implications for Historical Record
Museums like the National Portrait Gallery serve as custodians of the national story. Decisions about what information to include or exclude from exhibits can influence public understanding and historical memory. This action comes at a time when the interpretation of recent political history remains highly polarized.
Observers and historians will likely scrutinize whether this represents an isolated editorial choice or signals a broader approach to documenting the Trump presidency within the Smithsonian's collections. The institution's commitment to non-partisanship and factual rigor is central to its mission as a public trust.
As of this report, it is unclear if other details on the plaque were altered or if similar edits have been made to the displays of other modern presidents. The public and academic community will be watching for an official explanation from the Smithsonian regarding this revision to the historical record on display.
