Smithsonian Responds to Claims of Political Pressure

The Smithsonian Institution clarified on Saturday that it faced no external pressure to remove a placard describing President Trump’s impeachment experiences from one of its exhibitions.

The Federal Arts and History Agency confirmed that the placard was removed purely for aesthetic reasons, after it had been part of the “US President: A Glorious Burden” exhibition last month.

In its statement, the Smithsonian noted, “We were not asked by the administration or any governmental officials to alter the exhibition’s content.”

The agency explained that this specific placard was taken down as it didn’t adhere to the museum’s standards in terms of appearance, placement, or overall presentation.

“It clashed with the other sections of the exhibit and obstructed views of the items displayed in that case,” the Smithsonian added.

They indicated that the section concerning the ammunition would be updated soon to encompass all relevant historical procedures regarding impeachment.

While last week the Washington Post reported that content referring to Trump’s impeachment was removed under pressure from the administration, critics on the left wasted no time in questioning the integrity of the administration’s influence.

However, the Smithsonian noted that this placard was meant to be a temporary addition, dating back around 25 years.

Trump, along with Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, is among three U.S. presidents who have faced impeachment. All three were ultimately acquitted by the Senate.

Former President Richard Nixon was also mentioned in connection to the Smithsonian exhibit, having resigned before facing impeachment over the Watergate scandal.

The first impeachment of Trump in 2019 stemmed from his efforts to pressure Ukraine into investigating the Biden family. The second took place on January 6, 2021, amid the Capitol riots.

Trump is notable for being the first sitting or former president to face criminal charges, which included allegations of falsifying business records.

His team has expressed a desire for the Smithsonian to reconsider its policies and displays; in March, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating divisive narratives and upholding what he described as “American values.”

The “American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” exhibition has been accessible to the public since 2000, showcasing various historical artifacts, including aspects of the impeachments of Johnson and Clinton, and a damaged filing cabinet from the Watergate scandal.

For current details, a brief mention exists on the exhibition’s webpage.