Last week, the Smithsonian Institution introduced a fresh portrait of former President Donald Trump, while simultaneously opting to remove much of the descriptive text that previously highlighted his two impeachments and the events of January 6, 2021, at the Capitol.

This modification in the “America’s Presidents” exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery comes in the wake of Trump’s criticisms, where he accused museums of being “woke” and exhibiting bias. Additionally, a recent White House directive mandates the Smithsonian to hand over detailed internal records by January 13, under the threat of potential federal funding cuts.

The previous display of Trump, which featured him against a dark backdrop with his hands clasped, has now been replaced by a striking black-and-white photograph captured by White House photographer Daniel Torok. The new image depicts Trump with his fists firmly placed on the Resolute Desk, meeting the camera’s gaze with intense focus.

“For the first time in history, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery has presented an iconic photograph taken by the White House to honor President Trump,” said White House spokesperson Davis Ingle to Fox News Digital on Sunday. “His unparalleled presence will resonate throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery.”

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, a new portrait of President Donald Trump was displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, accompanied by a plaque featuring minimal text. This change is part of the “American Presidents” exhibit. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Previously, the text beside Trump’s portrait read: “Impeached twice—on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021—he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials.” 

According to photos, the original placard has been replaced with a shorter one that only lists Trump’s years in office. 

As of Sunday, Trump was the only president in the gallery whose display lacked extended text highlighting key events, according to the Associated Press (AP). By contrast, other portraits, including those of former Presidents Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson, reportedly still note their impeachments.

A photo of President Donald Trump is displayed in the “America’s Presidents” exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery on June 1, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

The gallery said in a statement to the AP that “the museum has been exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artist’s name.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the National Portrait Gallery for more information. 

Trump praised the change in a post on Truth Social Friday, sharing a photo of the new display.

A visitor stops to look at a photograph of President Donald Trump and a short plaque next to it at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery’s “American Presidents” exhibit on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Anna Johnson)

A White House official told Fox News Digital that photographs will be displayed until the institution completes an official painted portrait. 

The changes were made after the White House ordered a sweeping review of all museums ahead of America’s 250th anniversary of independence.

In an August post on Truth Social, Trump blasted the institutions as “woke,” accusing the Smithsonian and other museums nationwide of promoting narratives that disparage the U.S. rather than celebrate its achievements.