Smithsonian unveils new President Donald Trump portrait after changes
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The Smithsonian Institution unveiled a new portrait of President Donald Trump last week, removing much of the accompanying text referencing Trump’s two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
The changes to the National Portrait Gallery’s “Presidents of America” exhibit follow Trump’s accusations that the museums are “woke” and biased, as well as a White House order requiring the Smithsonian to provide comprehensive internal records by Jan. 13 or risk possible federal funding cuts.
While the institution previously featured Trump with his hands clasped in front of him against a black background, visitors will now see a new black-and-white photograph by White House photographer Daniel Torok. The new portrait shows the president with his fists on the Resolute Desk, looking directly at the camera.
“For the first time in history, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has hung an iconic photograph the White House took to honor President Trump,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital on Sunday. “His unique aura will be seen and felt in the halls of the National Portrait Gallery.”
TRUMP CLAIMS THE SMITHSONIAN IS ‘OUT OF CONTROL’ AND ORDERS A MASSIVE REVIEW OF ALL MUSEUMS AND PROGRAMS
A plaque with minimal text is displayed next to a new portrait of President Donald Trump at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s “American Presidents” exhibit on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
Text next to Trump’s portrait previously read: “He was twice impeached on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and was acquitted by the Senate in both cases.”
The original banner was replaced with a shorter banner listing only Trump’s years in office, according to photos.
As of Sunday, Trump was the only president in the gallery without extended texts highlighting key events, according to the Associated Press (AP). In contrast, other portraits, including those of former Presidents Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson, reportedly still highlight their impeachment.
WHITE HOUSE REVIEWS ENTIRE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM, PRESENTS EXHIBITION CONTENT AHEAD OF 2026 AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION
A photo of President Donald Trump is displayed in the “America’s Presidents” exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, on June 1, 2025. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
The gallery said in a statement to the AP that “the museum only investigates quotes or tombstone labels that provide general information, such as the artist’s name.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the National Portrait Gallery for more information.
Trump praised the change, sharing a photo of the new exhibit in his post on Truth Social Friday.
A visitor stops to look at a photo of President Donald Trump and the brief plaque next to it at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s “American Presidents” exhibit Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Anna Johnson)
A White House official told Fox News Digital that the photos will be on display until the agency paints an official portrait.
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The changes were made after the White House ordered a comprehensive review of all museums ahead of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
In an August post on Truth Social, Trump accused the Smithsonian and other museums across the country of promoting narratives that disparage U.S. achievements rather than celebrating them, calling the institutions “woke.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
