Smithsonian Removes Trump's Impeachments From Presidency Exhibit

The Smithsonian Institution recently removed a reference to President Donald Trump's 2019 and 2021 impeachments from an exhibition panel about the American presidency, a move that has raised questions about how history is presented. The removal, initially part of a temporary display from 2021, followed a review of legacy content, with the museum stating the exhibit will eventually include all impeachments, though no timeline was provided. The Trump administration has been noted for efforts to influence historical narratives in federally overseen institutions, including pushing to focus on the country's achievements and minimizing what it terms 'divisive' topics. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle expressed support for updating displays to highlight American greatness but did not directly address the impeachment references. Critics, including historian Julian E. Zelizer, view the Smithsonian's action as part of a broader effort by President Trump to shape how history is depicted at museums, national parks, and schools, alongside other actions such as removing a gay rights activist's name from a Navy ship and attempting to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The debate underscores the complexity of whether history should serve to document events impartially or highlight a preferred narrative.