Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Smithsonian removed references to Donald Trump’s impeachments from its “Limits of Presidential Power” exhibit, updating its content as part of an ongoing review.
- The original exhibit included details on Trump’s two impeachments, which were later replaced with an older label referencing Presidents Johnson, Clinton, and Nixon.
- The museum’s decision has sparked debate over historical accuracy, transparency, and the portrayal of contentious political events.
- The Smithsonian has committed to eventually including all impeachments, aiming for a more balanced and comprehensive exhibit in the future.
- This episode highlights broader issues about how public museums handle recent, sensitive political histories and the importance of curatorial rigor.
Table of Contents
What This Means for Public Memory
What Changed?
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History recently removed references to former President Donald Trump’s two impeachments from its “Limits of Presidential Power” exhibit, sparking widespread discussion around historical representation and museum curation.[2]
Details of the Change
Since September 2021, the museum had included a temporary label detailing Trump’s impeachments as part of the broader discussion on presidential power. In July 2025, this label was taken down, and the updated exhibit now displays a label dating back to 2008. This older label references only three presidents — Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Richard Nixon — who faced serious challenges related to removal from office, noting Nixon’s resignation before impending impeachment.
The Smithsonian explained that the exhibit section covering Congress, the Supreme Court, impeachment, and public opinion had not been updated since 2008, and the removal was part of a content review to address that gap and inconsistencies. The institution emphasized that “a future and updated exhibit will include all impeachments,” signaling plans to revisit the topic comprehensively.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
The Smithsonian stated that the content had not been refreshed in a long time and was undergoing a review to ensure accuracy and relevance. They indicated that future exhibits would aim to provide a more complete account of presidential impeachments, including Trump’s, once updates are made.
Context and Controversy
This decision follows heightened scrutiny of presidential histories and how politically sensitive events are presented in publicly funded museums. It comes amid a broader backdrop of political directives issued during Trump’s administration around the Smithsonian, including executive orders targeting “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” and the cancellation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs earlier in 2025.[1]
The removal drew criticism from various sectors concerned about historical accuracy and transparency. Critics argue that omitting Trump’s impeachments from an exhibit focused on presidential power creates a misleading narrative and disrupts the public’s understanding of recent American history.[1]
Supporters of the museum’s decision highlight the need for updated and balanced exhibits, cautioning against rushed or partisan representations.
What This Means for Public Memory
Museums like the Smithsonian serve as custodians of national memory, tasked with presenting history in ways that inform and educate while navigating evolving perspectives. The Trump impeachment removal underscores ongoing debates about how to curate contentious historical events without political bias or oversimplification.
Looking ahead, the Smithsonian’s commitment to eventually including all impeachments suggests an intent to provide a fuller, contextualized account once exhibit updates are completed, balancing historical completeness with curatorial rigor. This episode acts as a reminder of how history is not static but continually reinterpreted in light of new realities and societal values.
For readers: Stay tuned for forthcoming exhibit revisions at the Smithsonian that promise to reintegrate this critical chapter of presidential history with updated context. Understanding these museum debates offers a window into larger conversations about history, memory, and politics in America today.
FAQ
Why did the Smithsonian remove Trump’s impeachments from the exhibit?
The Smithsonian explained that the exhibit section had not been updated since 2008 and was undergoing a review. The removal was part of a content refresh aimed at eventually including all impeachments, including Trump’s.
Will Trump’s impeachments be reintroduced in the future?
Yes, the Smithsonian has indicated that a future and updated exhibit will include all impeachments, signaling plans to revisit and reintroduce Trump’s case once the content is refreshed.
Does this decision reflect political bias?
Supporters argue that the decision is part of routine content updates and not political censorship, while critics contend it may overlook the importance of recent historical events.