Trump Installs Partisan Plaques for Predecessors on Presidential Walk of Fame

The Presidential Walk of Fame, a recent installation by President Donald Trump, has attracted attention for its subjective and partisan plaques honoring past U.S. presidents. This development reflects Trump’s ongoing efforts to influence how history and the presidency are perceived from the White House.

Trump’s Addition to the Presidential Walk of Fame

The walkway features plaques that boldly depict political views and interpretations of various presidents, enhancing Trump’s personal imprint on the White House’s aesthetic. This initiative follows his earlier renovations, including changes to the Oval Office and plans for expanding the East Wing.

Controversial Plaques and Descriptions

• The introductory plaque describes the installation as “conceived, built, and dedicated by President Donald J. Trump.”
• Biden’s plaque includes statements labeling him as “by far, the worst president in American history.” It also repeats unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 election.
• Barack Obama, the first Black president, is characterized as “one of the most divisive political figures in American history.”
• George W. Bush’s plaque partly praises his establishment of the Department of Homeland Security but criticizes his involvement in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the plaques, stating they are “eloquently written descriptions” and noted that many were penned by Trump himself.

Reactions and Implications

While Biden chose not to comment on the plaque, responses from aides for Obama and other former presidents were not immediately available. Trump’s decision to exclude Biden’s portrait while using an autopen to mock his age has also drawn scrutiny.

The display runs along the colonnade connecting the West Wing to the White House residence, allowing Trump to guide visitors through his interpretation of presidential history. The introductory plaque also suggests that this controversial installation will endure as a tribute to “the Greatness of America.”