Why the Smithsonian Took Down Its Trump Impeachment Display

The Smithsonian Institution has come under public scrutiny after removing a display referencing the impeachments of U.S. President Donald Trump from the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

The museum clarified that the placard, originally describing Trump’s 2019 and 2021 impeachments, was removed because it did not conform to curatorial standards related to design, location, and object visibility. Officials emphasized that the decision was not influenced by the White House or any political entity, following media reports alleging the removal came after a content review prompted by external pressure.

Critics noted that the exhibit now inaccurately states only three U.S. presidents have faced impeachment, omitting Trump, the only president to be impeached twice. The museum announced plans to revise the exhibit in the coming weeks to reflect all presidential impeachment proceedings in U.S. history.

This development takes place amid broader debate over political influence in public institutions, especially following a March 2025 executive order by President Trump directing federal agencies to review cultural content for ideological consistency.

The Smithsonian insists it remains committed to historical accuracy and independent curatorial judgment in all exhibits under its authority.