A walk through a Smithsonian museum reveals American genius and cruelty as Trump presses for change
Associated Press
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Protest signs from a selection of historic demonstrations are displayed at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History, Aug. 13, 2025, representing the causes of anti-war and civil rights activists, the tea party, farmers and other populist movements. (AP Photo/River Zhang)A new sign at the presidential impeachment exhibit in the Smithsonians National Museum of American History in Washington, describes the counts against President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial. The Senate acquitted him in both trials. The sign, seen here Aug. 26, 2025, replaces earlier, temporary text but still addresses what he was charged for. (AP Photo/Calvin Woodward)This wall in the Great Debate section of a democracy exhibit at the National Museum of American History, shown Aug. 26, 2025, in Washington, reflects some of the issues the nation grapples with. President Donald Trump is pressing for changes in the stories the Smithsonian museums tell about America. He wants U.S. history cast in a more positive light. (AP Photo/Calvin Woodward)An updated display at Smithsonians National Museum of American History traces the history of presidential impeachments, Aug. 26, 2025. References to President Donald Trumps two impeachment trials were removed in July and restored in August with revisions that still describe his House impeachments and Senate acquittals on counts of inciting an insurrection, abusing power and obstructing Congress. (AP Photo/Calvin Woodward)A Fight the Virus, Not the People COVID-19 banner at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History on Aug. 13, 2025. The banner was carried by counter-protesters at an anti-Asian hate march in San Francisco in February 2020. It is the museums most recent collection related to the pandemic. (AP Photo/River Zhang)President Donald Trump, left, walks with his grandson Spencer Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Va., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Protest signs from a selection of historic demonstrations are displayed at the Smithsonians National Museum of American History, Aug. 13, 2025, representing the causes of anti-war and civil rights activists, the tea party, farmers and other populist movements. (AP Photo/River Zhang)