Key Facts
• Smithsonian-run National Museum removed Trump impeachment references in July 2025.
• Trump is the only U.S. president impeached twice: 2019 (abuse of power) and 2021 (incitement).
• Both impeachment trials ended in acquittal by the Senate.
• References were added during a 2021 presidential exhibit.
• Washington Post reported White House pressured museum director for content review.
• Since January 2025, Trump reduced arts funding and cut National Park Service budgets.
• March 2025: Trump signed an executive order to restore Smithsonian’s “original role.”
• Order criticized “racially divisive ideologies” and aimed to eliminate “inappropriate ideologies.”
• Trump directed Smithsonian board to ban funding for programs violating federal law.
• Trump replaced Kennedy Center board members, citing excessive “woke” influence.
Summary
The Smithsonian-run National Museum of American History removed references to Donald Trump’s two impeachments following White House pressure, as reported by the Washington Post. Trump, the only U.S. president impeached twice, faced charges in 2019 for abuse of power and in 2021 for incitement of insurrection, but was acquitted both times. The references were initially added during a 2021 exhibit on the presidency. Since beginning his second term in January 2025, Trump has reduced funding for arts and cultural institutions and signed an executive order in March to restore the Smithsonian’s “original role” while eliminating “divisive ideologies.” The order criticized the Smithsonian for promoting “racially divisive” narratives and directed its board to prohibit funding for programs violating federal law. Trump also replaced Kennedy Center board members, accusing the institution of being overly “woke.”
