The Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery has unveiled a new photographic portrait of President Donald Trump while removing most accompanying text that previously referenced his two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, according to The Washington Post.
New Image Takes Prominent Placement
The updated black-and-white portrait, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, shows Trump seated at the Resolute Desk with his fists resting on the surface, looking directly into the camera. The image now replaces former President Joe Biden’s portrait at the entrance of the “America’s Presidents” exhibit. Trump also shared the image on Truth Social, and the White House promoted it across its social media platforms.
Plaque Text Scaled Back
The longer description that once accompanied Trump’s earlier portrait—detailing his impeachments and Senate acquittals—has been replaced with a brief placard listing only his years in office, the Post reported. Other presidential portraits in the gallery typically include contextual text about major events during each administration, including impeachment language that remains on former President Bill Clinton’s display.
Two-Term Distinction Remains
Trump’s exhibit still features two small wooden plaques marked “45” and “47,” acknowledging his two nonconsecutive terms. Until Trump’s return to office in 2025, Grover Cleveland was the only U.S. president represented this way.
Smithsonian Cites Label Review
National Portrait Gallery spokeswoman Concetta Duncan told the Post the museum is considering less detailed “tombstone labels,” which provide only essential information about displayed works. It remains unclear whether the changes were directed by the administration, though updates were expected following Biden’s departure and Trump’s return to the White House.
Broader Smithsonian Changes
The update follows earlier moves across Smithsonian museums. Last year, Trump signed an executive order targeting what he called “ideological indoctrination” in federal cultural institutions and later removed National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet. Separately, the National Museum of American History temporarily removed impeachment references from its presidential exhibit before announcing plans to restore the full historical context.
Ongoing Scrutiny
The Hill has requested comment from the National Portrait Gallery regarding the text removal. The changes continue to draw attention as the Smithsonian navigates how to present recent and contested presidential history.
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