The White House has been updated with a series of new, sharply partisan plaques installed by staff under the direction of President Donald Trump. The additions to the so-called 'Presidential Walk of Fame' on a West Wing walkway offer heavily opinionated critiques of former commanders-in-chief, directly reflecting Trump's personal views.
A Partisan Rewriting of History
The brass plaques, placed underneath the official presidential portraits along the Colonnade, were unveiled on Wednesday 17 December 2025. They present a starkly political narrative, lambasting Trump's opponents and offering praise to those whose legacies he admires. The move represents an unprecedented injection of contemporary partisan commentary into the historic fabric of the executive residence.
Under the portrait of President Joe Biden, a plaque labels him "the worst President in American History". The marker for Barack Obama refers to the 44th president as "one of the most divisive political figures" to hold the office. Another, for Bill Clinton, controversially attributes his legislative successes during the 1990s to "Republicans in Congress".
Praise for Political Allies
In contrast, former presidents viewed more favourably by the current administration receive glowing tributes. The plaque for Ronald Reagan, for instance, celebrates him as "'The Great Communicator'" and notes his landslide re-election in 1984 and high approval ratings upon leaving office.
It then makes a direct link to the present occupant, stating: "He was a fan of President Donald J. Trump long before President Trump's Historic run for the White House. Likewise, President Trump was a fan of his!" This explicit connection is seen by observers as an effort to align Trump's legacy with that of the conservative icon.
Reactions and Implications
The installation has ignited immediate controversy, with critics accusing the Trump administration of disrespecting the office and engaging in historical revisionism for political gain. Defenders argue it is a legitimate expression of presidential perspective on history. The 'Walk of Fame', a Trump-era creation, has now firmly cemented its reputation as a platform for the current president's political commentary, blurring the lines between official White House history and partisan opinion.
The plaques ensure that future White House tours will include a version of history fiercely shaped by Donald Trump's personal and political viewpoints. The long-term fate of these additions under any future administration remains an open question, setting a potentially contentious precedent for how presidents present their predecessors within the walls of the People's House.
