The Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. has made a significant alteration to its display of former President Donald Trump, replacing his official portrait and removing all accompanying text that referenced his two impeachments and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The changes, first reported by The Washington Post, were confirmed after the White House shared the new image on social media earlier this week.
Details of the Alteration
According to the report, the original descriptive placard was taken down and substituted with a new, much shorter label that lists only Trump's years in office. The original text, which remained on the Smithsonian's website as of Saturday, detailed his political rise, first-term accomplishments, his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden, and the events leading to his historic impeachments. It specifically stated he was "impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021."
The Post indicates the revision followed a complaint from a Trump administration official several months prior. When questioned, a National Portrait Gallery spokesperson said the museum was considering using briefer "tombstone labels" and noted the portrait had been changed before.
White House Reaction and Historical Context
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle praised the new portrait, calling it "iconic" and stating Trump's "unmatched aura will be seen and felt throughout the halls." He did not, however, address whether the administration had requested the textual changes. The photograph was taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok and will be used until a formal painted portrait is completed.
This incident is not the first time the Smithsonian has adjusted exhibits related to the 45th president. Last summer, the institution temporarily removed an exhibit about Trump's impeachments before reinstating it, claiming at the time it was a routine update and not done at the behest of any government official.
A Pattern of Seeking Legacy
The portrait change aligns with a broader effort by Trump and his allies to shape his historical legacy within the nation's capital. Reports have noted his interest in having his name associated with prominent Washington, D.C. institutions, including the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace. The alteration at the National Portrait Gallery raises questions about the role of political influence in the curation of historical narratives at federally funded museums.
