The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History has recently removed specific references to former President Donald Trump's two impeachments from its "Limits of Presidential Power" exhibit. This decision follows a content review and political pressure, including an executive order from President Trump in March 2025, which called for the removal of "divisive or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian.
The exhibit, which had been updated in September 2021 to include context on Trump's impeachments, now reverts to its 2008 design. The Smithsonian has stated that a future exhibit will comprehensively include all presidential impeachments. This move has raised concerns about potential political interference and historical whitewashing.
The removal of the impeachment references comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to influence historical narratives. President Trump, re-elected and back in office, issued a directive titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," challenging race-centered narratives. He appointed Vice President J.D. Vance to oversee federal cultural funding, aligning it with conservative values. The administration has also cut funding and removed officials across cultural institutions like the Library of Congress and National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Smithsonian maintains that it is independent despite receiving federal funding. However, the recent changes to its exhibits have sparked debates about the role of government in shaping the presentation of history. Critics argue that such actions could lead to a sanitized version of American history, omitting significant events and figures that have shaped the nation's past.
As the Smithsonian plans future updates to its exhibits, the museum faces the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with political pressures. The ongoing discourse highlights the delicate relationship between cultural institutions and government influence, underscoring the importance of preserving the integrity of historical narratives for future generations.
