Smithsonian Removes Reference to Trump's Impeachments from American History Exhibit

Strategic Insights -

The National Museum of American History has quietly removed a reference to the two impeachments of President Donald Trump from its exhibit on the American presidency. The decision comes as the White House exerts pressure on cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian, to offer a more positive and selective view of American history. The exhibit, which includes materials on the impeachment of President Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal, had included a temporary label on Trump's impeachments since September 2021.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Museum of American History has removed a reference to President Trump's two impeachments from its exhibit on the American presidency.
  • The exhibit, which includes materials on the impeachment of President Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal, had included a temporary label on Trump's impeachments since September 2021.
  • A Smithsonian spokesperson stated that the section on impeachment needed to be overhauled and that a future and updated exhibit will include all impeachments.
  • The White House has been exerting pressure on cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian, to offer a more positive and selective view of American history.
  • President Trump has been a vocal critic of the Smithsonian and other cultural institutions, accusing them of promoting "divisive, race-centered ideology."
  • The Democratic majority in the House voted each time for Trump's impeachment, while the Republican-led Senate acquitted him both times.
  • President Trump is the only president to have been impeached twice, first in 2019 for pushing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden and again in 2021 for "incitement of insurrection."

Statistics:

  • 2019: The first impeachment of President Trump, for pushing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden.
  • 2020: President Biden defeats President Trump in the presidential election.
  • 2021: The second impeachment of President Trump, for "incitement of insurrection," in reference to the January 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.
  • 2021: The National Museum of American History installs a temporary label on Trump's impeachments.

Sources:

  • "Smithsonian Removes Reference to Trump's Impeachments," AP News, [no date]
  • "Trump Orders a Review of Museums and Libraries," The Washington Post, April 2024
  • "Artist Cancels Exhibit at National Portrait Gallery," The Washington Post, April 2024
  • "Trump's Executive Order on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," [no publication date]
  • "Statement from Congressional Democrats on Trump's Executive Order," April 2024