Smithsonian Says Trump Impeachment Display Was Removed Over Design, Not Politics

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is defending its decision to remove a display about Donald Trump’s impeachment from its presidential exhibit, saying the move had nothing to do with political pressure. In a statement, the museum explained, “As the keeper of memory for the nation, it is our privilege and responsibility to tell accurate and complete histories.”

As the keeper of memory for the nation, it is our privilege and responsibility to tell accurate and complete histories. As has been recently reported, in July, a placard was removed from @amhistorymuseum’s exhibit “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden.”  The intent of the…

— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) August 2, 2025

The museum confirmed that the placard, which had been added to the exhibit “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” in 2021, was meant to be temporary and ultimately didn’t meet their standards. According to curators, the Trump impeachment signage was inconsistent with the rest of the display in terms of appearance, location, and presentation. It also physically blocked the view of objects in the display case. The museum emphasized that “no Administration or other government official” requested the removal.

The controversial placard referenced both of Trump’s impeachments: the first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and the second in 2021 for inciting the January 6th insurrection. It had appeared alongside historical references to Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton. However, its removal in July 2025 effectively erased Trump from the “Impeachment” section of the exhibit—for now.

The Smithsonian’s announcement followed a wave of public scrutiny after visitors noticed the change. Many questioned the timing, especially in light of a recent executive order from Trump’s current administration that demands federal cultural institutions eliminate “anti-American ideology.” That order, signed in March 2025, was widely seen as a direct shot at museums and public educators who present narratives critical of Trump.

Adding to suspicions was the fact that the museum’s leadership has been under pressure since Trump took office again. In 2024, several top officials were replaced after the administration accused them of pushing political bias in historical storytelling.

Despite the blowback, the Smithsonian insists the move was purely curatorial and not directed by politics. They also promised the impeachment section will be updated soon, and that the new version will reflect all presidential impeachments, including both of Trump’s.

For now, the exhibit has reverted to its older wording, which states that “only three presidents have seriously faced removal from office,” referring to Johnson, Nixon, and Clinton. Critics argue that excluding Trump, who is the only U.S. president impeached twice, misleads the public and diminishes the importance of recent history.

The museum says to expect a refreshed, comprehensive, and properly formatted impeachment display “in the coming weeks.” Whether that will silence criticism or ignite further debate about how history is being handled in the Trump era remains to be seen.