The explanatory details on the wall, which captured the essence of Trump’s initial presidency and highlighted his victorious 2024 comeback, were featured in the museum’s “American Presidents” exhibit. This description was initially placed next to a photograph from Trump’s first term.
However, the display has since changed to feature a different photograph without any accompanying description, although the text is still accessible online. Notably, Trump is the only president in the gallery, as observed on Sunday, without an accompanying extended text.
Prior to ordering a review by the Smithsonian, Trump dismissed the head archivist at the National Archives and announced the firing of Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery, as part of his administrative changes. Sajet, despite retaining support from the Smithsonian’s governing board, eventually stepped down.
At the White House, Trump curated a distinctly partisan “Presidential Walk of Fame,” showcasing gilded images of himself and former presidents—excluding Biden, who is represented by an autopen. The walk includes plaques summarizing each presidency.
It was noted at the time that Trump personally played a significant role in authoring the plaques.
His two plaques commend the 45th and 47th presidencies as immensely successful, whereas the autopen representation for Biden is accompanied by text describing the 46th president as “the worst in American History” and accusing him of steering the nation toward ruin.
