Why Did the Museum Remove the Trump Portrait Plaque Highlighting His Impeachments?

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, has recently altered the plaque commemorating Donald Trump’s presidency, specifically removing references to his two impeachments and the events surrounding the January 6 insurrection. This change raises questions about historical representation and the potential sanitisation of politically sensitive topics.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian Institution, has removed a plaque that detailed key controversies from Donald Trump’s presidency, including his impeachments and the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The decision to modify the plaque appears part of a broader move towards what museum representatives describe as "less descriptive tombstone labels." This shift has sparked a debate about historical accuracy and the portrayal of controversial figures in American history.

Key takeaways

The National Portrait Gallery has removed references to Trump's impeachments and the January 6 insurrection from a plaque.
This action contrasts with how other presidents' impeachments are presented in the gallery.
Trump's administration has a history of attempting to reshape how history is presented in museums.
The museum claims the changes are part of an effort to create less detailed labels.
Historian Ian Garner warns this could lead to a skewed understanding of history.

Timeline: how we got here

The controversy around the National Portrait Gallery's plaque change follows a timeline of significant events related to Trump's presidency and subsequent actions:

January 2021: The Capitol insurrection occurs, leading to Trump's second impeachment.
February 2021: Trump is acquitted by the Senate in his second impeachment trial.
September 2023: The National Portrait Gallery removes ‘The Scourged Back’ photograph, furthering the debate on historical representation.
October 2023: The National Portrait Gallery modifies the plaque regarding Trump, prompting public discourse on historical narratives.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent removal of the plaque detailing Trump's impeachments marks a significant change in how the National Portrait Gallery chooses to represent controversial historical events. This move aligns with previous actions taken by Trump's administration to reshape historical narratives in public spaces.

What was already established

Historically, the National Portrait Gallery has included comprehensive details about past presidents, including their impeachments and other scandals. For instance, Bill Clinton's plaque retains mention of his impeachment, suggesting a disparity in how Trump's controversial presidency is treated compared to his predecessors.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the direct impact on UK consumers may be limited, the ongoing debates about historical representation and truth could influence cultural institutions and educational narratives globally, including in the UK. This could lead to discussions about how history is taught and remembered.

Businesses and jobs

The art and museum industries may experience shifts in funding and focus as cultural institutions navigate political pressures. Museums might face challenges related to public perceptions and funding if they engage in similar changes to their exhibits.

Policy and regulation

This situation may prompt discussions in the UK about the role of government in cultural institutions and how history is curated and presented. Policymakers may find themselves needing to address how educational and cultural institutions handle politically sensitive topics.

Numbers that matter

2: Number of impeachments Trump faced during his presidency.
1: Year since the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021.
5: Other presidents with documented impeachments in US history, including Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson.
3: Number of museums mentioned that have altered exhibits due to political pressures.
0: Instances of other presidents' plaques being changed in the same manner prior to Trump's.

Definitions and jargon buster

Impeachment: A formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, potentially leading to removal from office.
Insurrection: A violent uprising against an authority or government.
Tombstone labels: Informative plaques that provide context about the individuals or events depicted in a museum.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect to see continued public discourse regarding the implications of this change. Museums may face scrutiny over their exhibit choices, potentially leading to further modifications or backlash from the public.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As discussions evolve, there may be calls for greater transparency in how museums select content for their exhibits. This could lead to new policies regarding historical representation and public consultation in the UK and beyond.

Signals to watch

Future announcements from the National Portrait Gallery or other museums regarding changes to exhibits.
Public reactions and protests related to historical representations in museums.
Legislative discussions about the role of government in cultural institutions.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about changes in museum exhibits and their implications for historical narratives.
Engage in discussions about the importance of accurate historical representation.
Support museums that promote comprehensive and truthful representations of history.

Don’t

Don’t dismiss the importance of historical exhibits in shaping public understanding.
Don’t overlook the potential consequences of sanitising history for political agendas.
Don’t hesitate to voice concerns about cultural representation.

Checklist

Review recent changes to historical exhibits in your local area.
Consider how these changes might affect public knowledge of history.
Engage with local museums to understand their perspectives on historical representation.
Monitor public discussions and debates surrounding museum practices.
Advocate for transparency in how history is presented in educational settings.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the removal of the plaque has been framed as a bid to simplify museum narratives, it raises significant concerns about the sanitisation of history. The motivations behind such changes remain unclear, with speculation about political influences potentially impacting cultural institutions. Furthermore, as discussions around historical representation evolve, the risk of skewing public understanding of critical events may become more pronounced.

Bottom line

The recent alteration of Donald Trump's plaque at the National Portrait Gallery highlights a growing tension between political influence and the integrity of historical representation. As institutions navigate these complexities, it is crucial for both the public and policymakers to advocate for the preservation of comprehensive historical narratives that reflect all aspects of the past.

FAQs

Why was Trump’s plaque changed at the National Portrait Gallery?

The plaque was altered to remove references to Trump's impeachments and the January 6 insurrection, as part of an effort by the gallery to explore "less descriptive tombstone labels."

What does the removal of this plaque mean for historical representation?

This change raises concerns about the sanitisation of history and the potential impact on public understanding of politically sensitive topics.

Have other museums made similar changes to their exhibits?

Yes, other museums have also changed exhibits or removed controversial images, reflecting a broader trend of political influence on historical narratives.