Former President Donald Trump recently ignited controversy. He installed blunt, critical plaques beneath portraits of past American presidents. These displays are inside the White House.
These plaques form what Trump terms a “Presidential Walk of Fame.” They are located along the colonnade. This structure connects the West Wing to the White House residence.
Trump’s Unique Approach to Presidential Legacy
The White House stated these plaques summarize each former commander-in-chief. They highlight their individual legacies.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the descriptions. She noted, “The plaques are eloquently written descriptions of each President and the legacy they left behind.” Leavitt added that “many were written directly by the President himself,” reflecting his deep interest in history.
An initial plaque introduces the display. It states President Donald J. Trump “conceived, built, and dedicated” it. The display serves as a tribute to past presidents, categorized as “good, bad, and somewhere in the middle.”
Biden’s Plaque: Harsh Criticism and “Worst President” Label
Joe Biden faced the most severe criticism in this historical exhibition.
One specific plaque declares, “Sleepy Joe was, by far, the worst President in American History.”
Trump also disparaged Biden by substituting his portrait. An autopen replaced it. This action was widely perceived as a jab at Biden’s age and perceived mental acuity.
Biden is unique in the display. He lacks a gilded portrait, unlike other presidents.
The plaques allege Biden gained power through “the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States.” They also attribute inflation, immigration challenges, and energy policies to his administration.
Furthermore, the Afghanistan withdrawal is described. It is labeled “among the most humiliating events in American History.” This references the loss of 13 U.S. service members in 2021.
Critiques of Biden’s International Policies
Trump’s plaques extend their criticism. They connect Biden’s leadership to international crises.
One plaque asserts, “Seeing Biden’s devastating weakness, Russia invaded Ukraine, and Hamas terrorists launched the heinous October 7th attack on Israel.”
It also highlights Biden’s reported poor debate performance in 2024. The plaque states he “was forced to withdraw from his campaign for re-election in disgrace.”
Obama’s Plaque: “Divisive” and Policy Critiques
Barack Obama’s plaque references him as “Barack Hussein Obama.” It describes him as “one of the most divisive figures in American history.”
Trump’s text criticizes Obama’s healthcare reforms. It labels them the “highly ineffective ‘Unaffordable’ Care Act.” His foreign policies are also attacked, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Climate Agreement.
The plaque reiterates Trump’s persistent allegation. It claims Obama spied on his 2016 campaign. It also states Obama presided over the “Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax.”
Trump’s Self-Laudatory Plaques Highlight Achievements
Donald Trump, having served two terms, features two plaques. Both are filled with self-praise.
He credits himself with forging “the Greatest Economy in the History of the World.” Trump also reiterates his 2016 Electoral College win as a “landslide.”
His second-term plaque emphasizes his popular vote victory. It concludes with the assertive phrase: “THE BEST IS YET TO COME.”
Public and Political Reactions to the Display
The new plaque display swiftly drew varied responses.
Kamala Harris, a former Vice President, criticized this action. She did so during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Harris voiced her disapproval. She stated, “I spent so much time in the White House.” She added, “The American people deserve better” than plaques placed by a president criticizing predecessors.
Beyond the plaques, Trump also undertook other White House modifications. He added gold decor to the Oval Office. The East Wing was demolished for a large ballroom. These changes further solidify his personal impact on the historic structure.
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