A leading Washington, D.C. museum has removed a plaque that detailed the controversies of Donald Trump's presidency, including his two impeachments and the January 6 Capitol attack.
Details of the Controversial Change
The National Portrait Gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution, made the alteration to the label accompanying the former president's portrait. The original text stated Trump was 'impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials.' This information has now been taken down.
A spokesperson for the gallery explained the move was part of an effort to use 'less descriptive tombstone labels.' However, the change appears unique to Trump's display. Plaques for other presidents, such as Bill Clinton, continue to mention their impeachments and scandals.
A Pattern of Historical Revisionism
This incident is not an isolated one. It forms part of a broader pattern under the current administration. Earlier this year, Trump criticised the Smithsonian for giving America a 'negative reputation,' claiming it focused excessively on the harsh realities of slavery and spread 'anti-American ideology.'
The White House has confirmed that current and former exhibitions at Smithsonian museums will undergo a review to ensure they align with Trump's agenda and his particular 'view of history.'
This directive has already led to other significant removals. In September, a famous 1863 photograph of an enslaved man's scarred back, known as 'The Scourged Back,' was taken down from the National Portrait Gallery. Furthermore, information about an abolitionist-led raid at Harpers Ferry National Park is also slated for removal.
Expert Warnings and Wider Implications
Historians and academics have voiced serious concerns about these actions. Propaganda scholar Ian Garner told Metro that 'What Trump is doing looks like a pretty naked attempt at sanitising history in order to maximise his own power.' He warned that successfully altering how national institutions tell America's story could skew public understanding of the past, present, and even the future's direction.
The administration's crackdown extends beyond presidential history. Multiple sources within national parks, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, stated removals are driven by Trump's belief that certain exhibits 'disparage' history. Targeted themes now include racism, sexism, slavery, LGBTQ+ rights, and Indigenous history.
In a move reminiscent of dystopian oversight, the administration has also encouraged employees and visitors to report any information they find potentially 'offending.' This sweeping effort to reframe the nation's narrative continues to spark intense debate about the role of museums in preserving an accurate and unvarnished historical record.
