On Saturday, the Smithsonian Institution clarified that the White House did not pressure it to remove references to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments. In fact, the museum confirmed it plans to include Trump in an updated exhibit “in the coming weeks.” This Smithsonian exhibit update followed concerns that someone might alter history to avoid upsetting the former president.
The Smithsonian clearly stated, “No administration or government official asked us to remove content from the exhibit.” Previously, museum spokesperson Phillip Zimmerman promised, “We will include all impeachments in a future and updated exhibit.” However, the museum did not specify when it would open the new display. Now, this Smithsonian exhibit update confirms that it will arrive soon.
In 2021, the museum added the original label to the National Museum of American History’s “Limits of Presidential Power” section. This section highlights past presidential impeachments. It features Presidents Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson, along with the Watergate scandal that led to President Nixon’s resignation.
According to the museum’s statement, the label about Trump’s impeachments was a temporary addition. It failed to meet the museum’s standards for appearance, location, timeline, and presentation. Moreover, it blocked the view of important artifacts inside the display case. For these reasons, the museum removed the placard.
Notably, Trump is the only U.S. president impeached twice. The first impeachment in 2019 involved his request for Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. Biden later defeated Trump in the 2020 election. The second impeachment happened in 2021, citing “incitement of insurrection” after the January 6 Capitol attack.
Each impeachment passed the Democratic-majority House of Representatives but failed in the Republican-led Senate, which acquitted Trump both times. In summary, the Smithsonian exhibit update assures the public that Trump’s impeachments will be fully represented in the upcoming exhibit. The museum aims to present a complete and accurate historical record without outside influence.
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