Smithsonian Makes Unique Trump Move
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery has unveiled a new official photographic portrait of President Donald Trump—while making subtle but notable changes to the accompanying exhibit text.
Photos of the refreshed “America’s Presidents” display were shared by the White House over the weekend, and President Trump also highlighted the new portrait on his Truth Social account. The image was taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok and presents Trump in a dramatic black-and-white setting at the Resolute Desk, looking directly into the camera.
The updated portrait now occupies a highly visible position at the gallery’s entrance, replacing an image previously featuring former President Joe Biden. Visitors entering from the opposite direction still view the presidents arranged chronologically.
Trump’s earlier portrait, which showed him standing with hands folded, had been displayed on the opposite side of the same pillar. That earlier exhibit already included two small plaques labeled “45” and “47,” recognizing Trump’s two nonconsecutive terms in office. Until Trump returned to the presidency in 2025, only President Grover Cleveland shared that historical distinction.
What has changed is the written description beside the portrait.
According to reporting on the update, the longer explanatory text previously displayed next to Trump’s image has been replaced with a simplified label listing only his years in office. The prior version included references to impeachment proceedings and other recent political events.
Other presidential portraits throughout the gallery still feature longer historical summaries. Former President Bill Clinton’s display, for example, continues to reference his impeachment during his second term.
A spokesperson for the National Portrait Gallery said the museum is evaluating the broader use of streamlined “tombstone labels,” which focus on basic identifying information rather than detailed narratives.
Officials have not confirmed whether the changes were directed by the White House. However, museum updates were widely expected following the transition from the Biden administration and Trump’s return to office last year.
Before his inauguration, the gallery briefly displayed a separate Trump photograph taken in 2019 by Time magazine photographer Pari Dukovic. That image, also set at the Resolute Desk, was on view for several weeks earlier this year.
In 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at removing what his administration described as ideological or divisive narratives from Smithsonian museums, national parks, and federal monuments. Around that time, longtime National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet departed her position. Kevin Gover currently serves as acting director.
The Smithsonian has made similar adjustments in the past. Last year, the National Museum of American History temporarily revised its presidential impeachment exhibit, citing outdated materials. Museum officials later said the display would be updated to reflect a complete historical record.
The latest changes highlight an ongoing national conversation over how recent presidential history should be presented in publicly funded cultural institutions.
