The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has confirmed that a placard referencing both of former President Donald Trump’s impeachments was removed from its presidential exhibit due to presentation concerns, not political pressure or outside influence.
In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) on August 2, the museum explained that the placard — originally added in September 2021 — was a temporary addition to “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden,” a long-standing exhibit that opened in 2000. The sign was removed in July 2025.
“The placard, which was meant to be a temporary addition to a 25-year-old exhibition, did not meet the museum’s standards in appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation,” the Smithsonian stated. “It was not consistent with other sections in the exhibit and moreover blocked the view of the objects inside its case.”
The removal drew attention after a report by The Washington Post on July 31 noted the absence of Trump’s impeachment references in the current display. Some critics raised concerns over whether the decision was politically motivated, especially since the exhibit now reverts to language from nearly 20 years ago, stating, “only three presidents have seriously faced removal,” thereby omitting Trump.
However, the museum emphasized that no government officials or members of any administration influenced the decision.
“We were not asked by any administration or other government official to remove content from the exhibit,” the Smithsonian clarified.
The institution also announced plans to revise the content:
“The impeachment placard will be updated in the coming weeks to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation’s history,” the post added.
The original temporary label addressed Trump’s two impeachments — in 2019 and 2021 — and remained in place longer than intended. According to the museum, its removal was part of a broader review of legacy content in the “Limits of Presidential Power” section.
Currently, the exhibit includes information and artifacts related to Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton. Nixon resigned before he could be formally impeached, while Johnson and Clinton were impeached but acquitted by the Senate. Though the companion website mentions Trump’s two impeachments in an introductory line, it does not offer a dedicated section or display material about them.
The Smithsonian maintains that it is working to ensure the exhibit reflects historical accuracy and continuity as it undergoes updates.