Controversy Surrounds New Portrait of Former President Trump at National Portrait Gallery
The Smithsonian Institution recently revealed a new portrait of former President Donald Trump at the National Portrait Gallery's "America's Presidents" exhibit. The updated display features a black-and-white photo of Trump taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, showing the president with his fists on the Resolute Desk, gazing directly at the camera.
This change comes after Trump criticized museums for being "woke" and biased, prompting the removal of text referencing his impeachments and the Capitol attack from the exhibit. The White House also issued an order for the Smithsonian to provide internal records or face potential funding cuts by a specified deadline.
Previously, Trump's portrait was accompanied by text detailing his two impeachments and the events surrounding the Capitol attack. The new display now only lists Trump's years in office, with no additional information about key events during his presidency.
Trump expressed approval of the new portrait on Truth Social and a White House official mentioned that the photographs will be on display until an official painted portrait is completed. These changes were made as part of a broader review of museum content ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
In response to criticisms of promoting negative narratives, the National Portrait Gallery stated that they are considering using quotes or tombstone labels that provide only general information, such as the artist's name. Trump's portrait is currently the only one in the gallery without extended text highlighting significant events during his presidency.