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Nebraska Senator Sparks Controversy by Removing Founders' Portraits

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh removed portraits of America's Founders from a Capitol exhibit celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
Cavanaugh said she acted according to Capitol rules and did not know the portraits' significance.
The portraits were returned without damage and no citations were issued.
Governor Jim Pillen criticized the act as divisive, while PragerU and others condemned it, calling for unity in celebrating American history.

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Story summary

Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh removed portraits of America's Founders from a Capitol exhibit celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
Cavanaugh said she acted according to Capitol rules and did not know the portraits' significance.
The portraits were returned without damage and no citations were issued.
Governor Jim Pillen criticized the act as divisive, while PragerU and others condemned it, calling for unity in celebrating American history.