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The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is facing backlash after reportedly removing references to President Donald Trump's two impeachments from a presidential exhibit.
According to the Washington Post, the museum quietly removed Trump impeachment references from its “American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” exhibit in July. The references had reportedly been included in the exhibit since September 2021.
The move sparked accusations of historical revisionism and censorship due to pressure from the Trump administration.
A Smithsonian spokesperson addressed the removal in a statement, saying, “In reviewing our legacy content recently, it became clear that the ‘Limits of Presidential Power’ section… needed to be addressed. The section had not been updated since 2008, so the decision was made to restore the Impeachment case back to its 2008 appearance.”
The museum added that the label referencing Trump’s impeachments, which was added in 2021, was meant to be temporary.
“A future and updated exhibit will include all impeachments,” the Smithsonian said.
Several politicians and experts criticized the move to remove information on Trump’s impeachments from the Smithsonian, which receives federal funding. In March, Trump signed an executive order aimed at purging “anti-American ideology” and restoring the Smithsonian “as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness.”
“Despicable. Reprehensible. Dishonest. Cowardly. Trump’s 2 impeachments are historical facts. They are both part of American history. He’s using the powers of his office to try to rewrite history,” Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh wrote.
“‘Orwellian’ is a much-overused phrase; but forcing the Smithsonian to erase the fact of Trump’s impeachments is right out of 1984. Did they drop that stuff down the memory hole?” Political analyst Jeff Greenfield added.
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) shared newspaper clippings about Trump’s impeachment, saying, “This is what Donald Trump wants you to forget. America never will.”
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