Overview
- Administration officials raised the idea of a dedicated section with multiple images of President Trump during a Dec. 19 tour that included State Department protocol chief Abby Jones and White House photographer Daniel Torok.
- The White House issued a statement highlighting that supporters send the president large volumes of artwork and said it is important that such creations be showcased in the nation’s capital.
- The Smithsonian reports that no official proposal has been submitted, leaving the status of any expanded display uncertain.
- Last month the National Portrait Gallery replaced Trump’s official photo with a black-and-white Torok image at the Resolute Desk and removed label text referencing his two impeachments, which the museum described as part of a broader update.
- Relations between the administration and the Smithsonian have been tense, with document demands, funding pressure, and the announced firing followed by the resignation of Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet.