"A spokesperson for the Smithsonian said in a statement to NPR on Sunday that the National Portrait Gallery had begun a planned update of its "America's Presidents" gallery, which will include new labels and wall text. "For some new exhibitions and displays, the museum has been exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artist's name," the spokesperson said."
"The previous portrait label, which is still available on the Smithsonian's website, mentioned Trump's Supreme Court nominations, the development of the COVID-19 vaccine and that he was impeached twice "on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection" before being acquitted by the Senate in both cases. Text accompanying the new portrait identifies Trump's birth year, that he is the 45th and 47th president, the dates of his presidency, and information about the photographer and photograph."
"News of the omission comes at a tense time for the Smithsonian Institution. In March, Trump signed an executive order aiming to eliminate "divisive race-centered ideology" from Smithsonian museums and other cultural institutions, and over the summer the White House ordered a "comprehensive internal review" of eight Smithsonian museums, including the National Portrait Gallery. Trump tried to fire former National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet in May, whom he called "a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI," and Sajet later resigned."
The National Portrait Gallery updated the wall text for a new portrait of President Trump, removing references to his two impeachments and other presidential details. The Smithsonian said the change is part of a planned update to the "America's Presidents" gallery that will include new labels and tombstone-style text providing only general information. The previous label noted Supreme Court nominations, COVID-19 vaccine development, and that Trump was impeached twice "on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection" and acquitted by the Senate. The new label lists birth year, presidential numbering and dates, and photographer information. Other Smithsonian museums are said to contain impeachment history. The change occurs amid a White House-ordered review and prior disputes over museum leadership and directives about "divisive race-centered ideology."
Read at www.npr.org
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