Smithsonian Restores Trump Impeachment References Amid Pressure Claims

The Smithsonian Institution recently removed a temporary placard referencing President Donald Trump's two impeachments from its National Museum of American History exhibit titled "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden." The museum stated the removal was due to the placard's temporary status, its inconsistent appearance with the rest of the exhibit, and its obstruction of objects inside the display case, denying any political pressure from the White House influenced the decision. The placard, added in 2021, covered Trump's 2019 and 2021 impeachments and was part of a section that also includes impeachments of Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and the Watergate scandal involving Richard Nixon. The Smithsonian promised a forthcoming updated exhibit that will comprehensively cover all presidential impeachments in U.S. history. The removal has sparked debate about the politicization of historical narratives, especially amid President Trump's broader efforts to reshape cultural institutions and promote a focus on "national achievements" over divisive topics. The White House expressed support for updating museum displays to highlight American greatness but did not specifically address the impeachment references.