Washington, D.C. — The National Portrait Gallery has updated the display of President Donald Trump’s portrait, sparking discussions about the portrayal of his presidency. The new presentation, which removes references to his two impeachments, is part of a broader revision to the “America’s Presidents” gallery.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Smithsonian Institution highlighted that these updates are part of a planned effort to refresh exhibition materials, including new wall text and labels. They mentioned that as a portion of this update, the institution is trialing simplified captions that offer basic information without extensive details.

Previously, the label accompanying Trump’s portrait mentioned significant aspects of his presidency, including his Supreme Court appointments, the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the impeachment charges he faced—both of which he was acquitted of by the Senate. In contrast, the new text identifies Trump’s years in office and credit for the photography, omitting any contentious details.

As the Smithsonian navigates these changes, it finds itself in a politically charged atmosphere. This comes after President Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he described as “divisive race-centered ideology” from cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian, earlier this year. The White House has also initiated a review of several Smithsonian museums, which has raised concerns about potential censorship or historical revisionism.

The removal of impeachment references at the National Portrait Gallery has drawn attention, especially since other Smithsonian establishments, like the National Museum of American History, still address the topic of presidential impeachments. Critics argue that omitting such historical context could mislead future generations about the complexities of U.S. political history.

Historians and museum professionals have expressed their worries about the implications of altering historical narratives in museum spaces. Shelley Smith, a retired public health professional, recently participated in documenting existing exhibition materials as part of a volunteer initiative aimed at preserving the historical record amid such institutional changes.

Trump was impeached twice during his presidency—first in 2019 over allegations concerning Ukraine and later in 2021 for inciting insurrection related to the Capitol riot. The new portrait, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, was part of a series of images showcased in the gallery, which have previously undergone rotations.

Responses from both Trump’s supporters and detractors regarding the updated display have been mixed. While some praise the new representation as a step towards recognizing his tenure, others criticize it for glossing over significant controversies that marked his time in office.

As the Smithsonian continues to update its galleries, observers will be watching closely to see how these changes affect public perception and understanding of American history, particularly regarding divisive figures and events. The institution’s choices may influence not only its future exhibitions but also how past presidents are remembered.