The Smithsonian Institution has quietly revised its historical presentation of former President Donald Trump, removing all mention of his two impeachments and his role in the January 6th Capitol attack from a prominent public display.
A Stripped-Back Display
At the National Portrait Gallery's 'America's Presidents' exhibition, an updated portrait of the 45th and now 47th president now hangs with minimal accompanying text. The new image, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok and promoted by the Trump administration over the weekend, shows Trump standing imposingly behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.
Alongside the portrait, two simple medallions inform visitors that Trump served as the nation's 45th and 47th president. This starkly contrasts with previous displays, which featured comprehensive biographical write-ups.
What Has Been Removed?
Earlier versions of the Trump portrait, including a 2019 Time magazine photograph by Pari Dukovic and a more recent image by Washington Post photographer Matt McClain, included detailed descriptions of his first term. These texts, which remain accessible online, listed policy achievements such as the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, the signing of the Abraham Accords, and the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
Critically, they also contained a factual account of the controversies that defined his presidency. The description stated: 'Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials.' It also noted his 'historic comeback' in the 2024 election.
White House Review and Narrative Shift
The White House has not disclosed whether Trump or his aides pressured the Smithsonian to alter the text. Spokesperson Davis Ingle praised the new portrait's 'unmatched aura' but did not respond to questions about whether the administration objected to the previous language.
This change follows a broader directive from the Trump White House. In August 2025, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III was informed that all museum exhibits would be reviewed ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. A White House letter stated the review 'aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.'
This move aligns with Trump's concerted effort to reframe the narrative of the January 6th attack. Early in his second term, he pardoned all rioters convicted for their roles. Last week, on the fifth anniversary of the attack, the White House launched a website presenting an alternative version of events. The 2021 Capitol attack, fueled by Trump's false claims of electoral fraud, resulted in hundreds of law enforcement injuries as a mob sought to halt the certification of Joe Biden's election victory.
The updated Smithsonian display, absent its former contextual depth, marks a significant moment in the ongoing contest over how recent presidential history is recorded and presented to the public.
