Over the past few days, multiple incidents have highlighted a concerning trend of diminishing truth as a tool against authoritarianism. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History recently erased mentions of Trump's two impeachments from an exhibit addressing presidential scandals. This change was made despite the fact that Trump faced greater risk of conviction than prior impeached presidents. The Smithsonian claims the removals were temporary and plans to restore the references, yet the ongoing pressure from the administration raises doubts about future accuracy in historical representation.
The past five days have been deeply distressing for the truth as a force in restraining authoritarian governance. Each story risks being subsumed by others.
The Washington Post revealed that the Smithsonian National Museum of American History had removed references to Trump's record-setting two impeachments from an exhibit's section on presidential scandals.
Now, referring to Presidents Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton, the exhibit states that 'only three presidents have seriously faced removal.' This is false.
The Smithsonian says the material about Trump's impeachments was meant to be temporary, but it had been in place since 2021.
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