WASHINGTON: The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has refreshed its “American Presidents” exhibition with a new portrait of Donald Trump, replacing the previous photograph from his presidency, museum officials said.
The updated display features a new photograph of Trump taken during his presidency, replacing an earlier image and accompanying wall text that summarized his first term and 2024 election comeback.
While the extended descriptive label is no longer present on the gallery wall, the information remains available through the museum’s online resources.
According to AP, the revised presentation places Trump’s portrait alongside medallions identifying him as the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
Similar medallions appear throughout the gallery for other presidents, including those whose painted portraits are accompanied by biographical summaries.
Sitting presidents are traditionally represented by photographs until their official painted portraits are commissioned and completed.
The Smithsonian said the update is part of an ongoing effort to refresh the gallery as it prepares for a larger renovation planned for the spring.
“The museum is beginning its planned update of the America’s Presidents gallery, which will undergo a larger refresh this Spring,” the gallery said in a statement.
The institution added that it is exploring streamlined formats for some displays, including the use of shorter labels that provide essential information such as the artist’s name.
The original portrait label had highlighted Trump’s Supreme Court appointments, his administration’s role in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, and his historic return to office in 2024, making him only the second US president after Grover Cleveland to win nonconsecutive terms.
The White House welcomed the updated display. Spokesman Davis Ingle praised the newly featured photograph — taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok — saying it ensures Trump’s “unmatched aura … will be felt throughout the halls of the National Portrait Gallery.”
The image shows Trump leaning over the Oval Office desk, reflecting a moment from his time in office.
The Smithsonian and the White House did not comment on whether any request was made regarding changes to the display.
The update comes as museums across the Smithsonian Institution prepare for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Earlier this year, President Trump directed Smithsonian officials to review exhibits ahead of the milestone anniversary, with the administration saying the goal was to celebrate American achievements, promote national unity, and strengthen public confidence in cultural institutions.
The gallery confirmed that references to historical presidential impeachments remain represented across Smithsonian museums, including displays related to Presidents Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Richard Nixon.
“The history of Presidential impeachments continues to be represented in our museums, including the National Museum of American History,” the statement said.
Trump has made clear his interest in shaping how US history and culture are presented in federal institutions. In recent months, he has supported initiatives to modernize historical narratives and emphasize presidential accomplishments, while also redesigning historical displays within the White House.
The updated portrait display at the National Portrait Gallery reflects ongoing efforts to refresh and modernize presidential exhibits as the Smithsonian prepares for a new chapter in presenting American history to the public.
